The highly anticipated celebration marking 28 years of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda, initially scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds, has been postponed. The event, organized by the NRM Committed Cadres, was set to be graced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was expected to attend as the Guest of Honour. However, organizers announced that the celebration would now take place at a later date, to be communicated soon.
In a press statement delivered at Krystal Bar in Bugolobi, Twebaze Johnson Matusa, the group’s chairman, expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders and coordinators for their efforts in mobilizing for the event. “All was set and ready for the celebration,” Matusa said. “However, we received communication that President Museveni would not be able to make it for the original date, and as a result, we have decided to reschedule the event.”
Matusa emphasized that despite the postponement, the event would still honor the UPE program as one of the most transformative achievements of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. He commended President Museveni for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to expanding access to education across Uganda. The event was intended to reflect on the nationwide impact of UPE, which has provided millions of Ugandans with access to primary education since its inception in 1997. The organizers also planned to highlight the complementary Universal Secondary Education (USE) program, which further expanded access to education for secondary school students.
Although the Kololo celebration has been postponed, Matusa confirmed that both President Museveni and the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni — the Minister of Education and Sports — are expected to attend the rescheduled event. Furthermore, the UPE @ 28 celebration will not be limited to Kololo. The organizers have planned a series of activities across the country to engage local communities, showcase success stories, and underscore the importance of protecting the educational gains made over nearly three decades of UPE.
A new date for the celebration at Kololo is expected to be announced in the coming days.
