The 2026-2031 NRM manifesto, themed "Protecting the Gains," promises to create a free primary education service for Ugandans.

In the realm of human development, the NRM government recognizes education as a fundamental human right and a great social equalizer. Beyond equipping Ugandans with employable skills, education enables people to live longer, happier, and more affluent lives.

In an exclusive interview, Moses Byaruhanga, Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Chairman of the Manifesto Committee 2026-2031, shed light on the state of education before the NRM came to power. "In 1986, education was a privilege reserved for those who could afford to pay school fees," he said.

"Children from poor backgrounds were excluded from the education system." However, with the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997, the NRM government abolished school fees in government-aided primary schools. Consequently, primary school enrollment surged from 2.5 million learners in 1997 to 9.52 million.

Today, the number continues to rise, thanks to the government's efforts in building and grant-aiding more schools. Over 12,549 schools have been aided since 1997, compared to 6,880 previously. It's no surprise that out of 10,584 parishes, over 6,429 now have at least one government-aided school.

Mr Moses Byaruhanga outlined the NRM's future plans, promising that if re-elected, the government will focus on recruiting more teachers in both primary and secondary schools to eliminate illegal fees charged by schools to pay non-paid teachers. This move aims to improve the teacher-to-pupil ratio. Additional promises include:

- Regulating utility fees in urban government secondary schools
- Rehabilitating all 121 traditional schools and schools with special needs nationwide
- Constructing staff houses for teachers
- Progressively enhancing salaries for art teachers
- Increasing investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including more government-sponsored students

These initiatives underscore the NRM's commitment to making education accessible and affordable for all Ugandans.