She argued that this has led to a generation of individuals who lack integrity and use their qualifications to exploit the system, leading to widespread issues such as corruption and dishonest accountability.
Mrs. Museveni emphasised that focusing solely on intellectual knowledge—what she termed “head knowledge“—is dangerous.
“Our children are only getting this head knowledge which just turns them into arrogant human beings who grow up like machines. They lack integrity and talk about things that are not true,” she said.
Mrs Museveni pointed out that while Ugandan students excel in producing elaborate reports and financial records, these are often deceptive, masking the misappropriation of government funds.
This pattern, she said, is rooted in a deeper problem: the absence of moral grounding and integrity in the educational process.
The Minister, who has served in Parliament and monitored government programs at the grassroots level, shared her experience of witnessing government money disappear while official accounts reflected perfect financial management.
She suggested that the educational system is breeding a culture of selfishness, where individuals, instead of serving the public, exploit their positions for personal gain.
Teenage pregnancies and sexual abuse in schools
Janet Museveni also addressed the issue of teenage pregnancies, a growing concern that intensified during the COVID-19 lockdown when schools were closed.
Uganda recorded a sharp rise in teenage pregnancies, with an estimated 644,955 cases reported between March 2020 and September 2021. This represented a 28% increase from pre-pandemic levels, with districts like Wakiso, Kampala, and Kasese registering the highest numbers of cases.
The First Lady attributed the surge in teenage pregnancies partly to a lack of self-confidence among young girls, who are often manipulated by older men offering material gifts such as mobile phones or computers.
She also noted that some of these girls are sexually exploited by teachers or adults they encounter on their way to and from school, which often leads to early pregnancies.
In her speech, she also noted that boys are not immune to exploitation. The rise of “sugar mummies” targeting young boys for sexual relationships, in exchange for money or gifts, was another alarming trend. Mrs. Museveni condemned these women, referring to them as “evil” and warning boys to avoid such relationships due to the associated risks, including the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Calls for reform and prevention
To tackle these issues, Mrs. Museveni called for a more holistic approach to education in Uganda, one that incorporates character development alongside academic learning. She stressed that the country must do more to instill integrity and ethical behavior in its youth, while also ensuring that sexual predators are held accountable.
Efforts have already been made by various organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which partnered with local stakeholders to implement community-based sexual education programs during the pandemic. These programs aimed to equip both girls and boys with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions and protect themselves from exploitation.
However, the First Lady’s remarks made it clear that Uganda’s education system still has significant gaps. Without reform, both in moral education and stricter enforcement of laws against sexual abuse, these challenges are likely to persist.
