The highly anticipated national celebration organized by the NRM Committed Cadres to mark 28 years of Universal Primary Education (UPE) has been postponed, organizers announced on Saturday in Kampala.
The event, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, 23rd November at Kololo Independence Grounds, will now be held on a later date, to be communicated soon.
Speaking to the media at Krystal Bar in Bugolobi, the group’s chairman Twebaze Johnson Matusa revealed that the postponement follows communication indicating that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is expected to grace the event as Guest of Honour, will not be able to attend on the earlier date.
“All was set and ready. I want to thank our stakeholders and coordinators for the massive mobilization,” Matusa stated.
“However, the President has not been able to make it for tomorrow, and we have decided to push the event to a later date, which will be communicated soon.”
Matusa noted that the celebration will continue to recognize UPE as one of the most transformative achievements under the NRM government, praising President Museveni for what he described as steadfast leadership and a strong commitment to ensuring universal access to education.
The gathering will also reflect on the nationwide impact of UPE and the subsequent Universal Secondary Education (USE) program, highlighting millions of Ugandan beneficiaries.
Organizers confirmed that both President Museveni and the First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni — the Minister of Education and Sports — are expected to attend once the new date is confirmed.
Additionally, the UPE @ 28 celebration will go beyond Kololo, with countrywide activities planned to engage communities, showcase success stories, and emphasize the need to protect the gains made in the education sector over nearly three decades.
A new date for the Kololo launch will be officially announced in the coming days.