Kadaga launches Half-Bursary scheme, urges parents to prioritize children’s education

By Emmanuel Sekago

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has called on parents, especially fathers, to take a more active role in supporting their children’s education, emphasizing that education remains the most valuable investment for the future of any community.

Kadaga made the remarks on Saturday while officially launching the Mama Kadaga Half-Bursary Scheme at Jesda Schools in Kayoro Sub-county, Tororo District.

The bursary initiative, implemented through the Mama Kadaga Development Foundation, seeks to support bright but financially disadvantaged learners by covering 50 percent of their school fees, thereby increasing access to education and reducing school dropout rates among vulnerable children.

Speaking during the launch, Kadaga challenged parents to share responsibility for their children’s education and avoid leaving the burden entirely to mothers.

“Education is the greatest investment we can make in our children and in the future of our communities. I want to encourage parents, particularly fathers, to become more involved in ensuring that their children remain in school and complete their studies,” Kadaga said.

She noted that educating children not only transforms individual lives but also contributes significantly to social and economic development.

Beyond education, Kadaga urged local leaders, particularly LCIII Chairpersons, to strengthen oversight of government wealth creation initiatives such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). She emphasized the need for close monitoring to ensure that the intended beneficiaries fully benefit from the programs.

“We must ensure that government programs reach the people they were designed to support. Local leaders have a responsibility to monitor implementation and guarantee accountability,” she said.

Tororo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Sadik Bateganya commended Kadaga for her continued commitment to improving education in the region through the bursary scheme.

He encouraged parents to take advantage of the opportunity by enrolling their children and ensuring consistent school attendance.

“This bursary program will go a long way in helping many families that struggle to pay school fees. Parents should support their children and make sure they stay in school,” Bateganya said.

Jesda Schools Director, Andera Betty, expressed gratitude to Kadaga and the Mama Kadaga Development Foundation for selecting the school as a beneficiary of the initiative.

She appealed to parents across the district to enroll more learners at the school, noting that quality education remains critical in shaping responsible and productive citizens.

“We are grateful for this support which will enable many learners to access education. We encourage parents to embrace this opportunity and invest in their children’s future,” Andera said.

The launch ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including representatives from cultural institutions, local government leaders, education stakeholders, and officials from the private sector, all of whom commended the initiative for promoting access to education among disadvantaged learners.

The Mama Kadaga Half-Bursary Scheme is expected to benefit hundreds of learners across Tororo District and beyond, reinforcing efforts to improve educational opportunities and empower the next generation through learning.