First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni has called on universities to place greater emphasis on character formation alongside academic excellence, saying higher education should produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also principled and patriotic.
Speaking in remarks shared on her official platform, Mrs Museveni said universities must go beyond awarding degrees and doctoral qualifications to intentionally nurture values such as integrity, humility, compassion, and love for country among young people.
“Universities must train young people not only to graduate with degrees and PhDs, but also with character, integrity, humility, compassion, and love for our country,” the First Lady said.
She added that Uganda’s children should stand out wherever they go as disciplined and morally upright citizens, willing to learn from others and to uplift those in need.
“I want Ugandan children, wherever they go, to be an example of young people with integrity and humility—willing to listen to both old and young, and willing to lift up those who are down,” she noted.
The First Lady’s remarks come amid growing national debate about the role of higher education institutions in shaping ethical leadership and responsible citizenship, especially at a time when Uganda’s youth population continues to expand rapidly.
Education stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns that while universities are producing increasing numbers of graduates, insufficient attention is sometimes given to values-based education, civic responsibility, and national consciousness.
Mrs Museveni’s message reinforces the government’s broader education philosophy, which emphasises holistic learning, combining academic competence with moral grounding, social responsibility, and service to the nation.
Her call is expected to resonate strongly with university administrators, lecturers, and students as institutions review their curricula, mentorship programmes, and student development initiatives in line with national values and aspirations.
