President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has confirmed plans to recruit 50,000 more teachers in public schools, aiming to reduce the teacher-student deficit and counter allegations of extortion from public school administrators, as he declared his commitment to fully operationalize free universal primary education for all during his next term in office.
Museveni revealed that government primary schools running the free universal primary education program currently have 142,000 teachers. However, according to some public school administrators, they charge pupils to recruit staff and fund other essential services, which President Museveni believes should be the responsibility of the government, not school administrators.
The president has confirmed government’s move to fill the existing shortage for teachers and other demands to ensure successful UPE.
“We need an additional 50,000 teachers to achieve a ratio of 53 students per teacher in primary schools. Currently, we have more than 140,000 teachers, so we plan to recruit 50,000 more in the coming year. This will enable us to provide adequate support to our teachers and ensure they no longer need to ask parents for money, as the government will have provided sufficient resources.” Museveni.
The President made the remarks on September 24, 2025, during the official launch of the Patriotism Secretariat offices in Muyenga. The event that drew thousands of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters, senior government officials, and members of the business community.
Meanwhile Museveni has also commended Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, for her outstanding work in nurturing patriotism among Ugandans. He praised Seku’s leadership, noting that over 200,000 Ugandans have graduated from patriotic training programs during her tenure.
Additionally, President Museveni revealed that nearly 450,000 youths have benefited from various patriotic courses and mobilization programs under her leadership.
“Today, I met with youthful patriots in Muyenga, organized by Commissioner Hellen Seku. They were divided into groups: graduates of patriotic courses, enterprise-based groups, social groups like single mothers, and pressure group mobilizers. I urged them to keep in touch with the Patriotism Secretariat and collaborate with the NRM to strengthen their mobilisation efforts. I welcome them,” Museveni said.
Gashumba, Chairperson of the Council for Abavandimwe and PLU Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, expressed happiness that the Bavandimwe community had the opportunity to show appreciation to President Museveni by donating a special portrait in his honor and offering full support for his 2026 general election bid, declaring him their official candidate in the presidential race, during the inauguration of the head offices of Patriotism Clubs of Uganda.
Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his commitment to empowering young Ugandans through various programs.
“These initiatives have instilled hope in young people and equipped them with the tools to combat poverty. Many youths have acquired valuable skills, accessed funding, and received mentorship, empowering them to launch businesses and provide for their families,” Seku said.