By Uganda will mark this year’s International Literacy Day on September 8 with a renewed commitment to tackling illiteracy and boosting digital literacy nationwide.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Hon. Dr. Peace Regis Mutuuzo, Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, revealed that government has approved the nationwide expansion of the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) programme. Over the next five years, UGX 83 billion will be invested in scaling up Community Learning Centres and strengthening digital literacy across the country.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, with a focus on equipping Ugandans with the skills to effectively use mobile phones, computers, and the internet for learning, communication, and business.
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“While Uganda’s literacy rate stands at 76 percent, about 11.9 million Ugandans remain illiterate, the majority being women,” Dr. Mutuuzo noted. “This investment will empower marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, giving them literacy, numeracy, and livelihood skills.”
Uganda has made significant strides in education since the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997, which expanded primary enrollment from 3.1 million to 10.2 million by 2017. However, challenges such as high dropout rates, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate learning materials remain.
The Minister praised partnerships with NGOs, faith-based organizations, and community groups for complementing government initiatives. Organizations such as Caritas Uganda, DVV International, and The Hunger Project have supported literacy efforts in local communities.
A week-long program of activities will precede the September 8 celebrations, including literacy boot camps, symposiums, reading and writing competitions, and the graduation of adult learners.
Mutuuzo called on all stakeholders — from government agencies to cultural institutions — to unite in the fight against illiteracy. “The advancement of literacy requires a unified approach. Each of us has a critical role to play in ensuring that every Ugandan has the power of literacy to transform their life and contribute to national prosperity,” she said.
International Literacy Day has been observed annually in Uganda since 2002, following its global launch by UNESCO in 1967.
