The appointment of Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 23rd September 2024 signals a pivotal moment in Uganda’s ongoing journey toward socio-economic transformation. As the country works towards achieving the ambitious targets set out in Vision 2040, Dr. Kedrace’s appointment comes at a time when education is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone for national development.
Mama Janet K. Museveni, First Lady and Cabinet Minister for Education and Sports, has warmly congratulated Dr. Kedrace, echoing the sentiments of many Ugandans who see her leadership as essential to advancing Uganda’s education system. The support from the top most levels of leadership demonstrates a collective commitment to ensuring that the Ministry of Education plays a central role in driving socio-economic progress.
Dr. Kedrace’s leadership aligns closely with the mission of the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), who serve as the President’s representatives at the district and city levels, ensuring government policies are implemented effectively. As Assistant RDC of Otuke District, I have witnessed first-hand the critical role the RDC office plays in monitoring government programs, including those within the education sector.
The RDC/RCC offices are crucial in facilitating communication between the central government and the local communities, ensuring that education reforms and other goverment policies and programs reach even the most remote areas. Under Dr. Kedrace’s leadership, the Ministry of Education is well-positioned to work collaboratively with these local offices to oversee the implementation of critical educational policies. This partnership will help ensure that education becomes a driving force for socio-economic transformation, especially in rural and underserved areas, where access to quality education remains a challenge.
Dr. Kedrace’s distinguished academic credentials and vast experience make her the ideal leader to spearhead this transformation. Holding a Doctorate in Education Management from Nkumba University, a Master of Science from Leicester University in the UK, a Bachelor of Science Degree, and a Diploma in Education from Makerere University, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to education as a tool for development.
As Director of Education Standards and a key member of the Education Policy Review Commission (EPRC), Dr. Kedrace’s has long advocated for policies that align with Uganda’s broader development goals. In particular, her work during the Lango Sub-Region public hearing on education reforms, which took place at Lango SS on 23rd July 2024, highlighted the importance of adapting education to meet Uganda’s evolving socio-economic needs. With 16 years remaining to achieve the Vision 2040 goal of transitioning Uganda to a middle-income economy, her forward-thinking leadership comes at a crucial time.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Office of the RDCs/RCCs, and other government bodies/stakeholders will be instrumental in ensuring the success of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda. Education remains a key pillar of this transformation, as it equips the population with the technical skills, expertise and knowledge needed to participate in the national and global economy. RDCs and RCCs offices, in their oversight roles, will be crucial in ensuring that educational policies under Dr. Kedrace’s leadership are effectively implemented on the ground, particularly in rural districts where education is a catalyst for socio-economic progress.
Dr. Jane Egau Okou, who served as Acting Permanent Secretary before Dr. Kedrace’s appointment, deserves recognition for her collaborative efforts during this transition. Her partnership with Dr. Kedrace has strengthened the Ministry’s capacity to implement educational reforms aligned with national development priorities. Together, they have laid a solid foundation for the educational sector to drive the country’s economic transformation.
The future of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation is intricately tied to the quality of its education system. As Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kedrace’s mandate extends beyond the classroom to the national stage, where education is seen as a driving force behind economic growth, technological advancement, and social economic transformation. Under her leadership, we can expect a strong focus on aligning curricula with the demands of a modern economy, promoting STEM education, and ensuring inclusive access to quality education for all Ugandans.
Her collaboration with the RDC offices will play a critical role in ensuring that the Ministry’s policies are effectively rolled out, reaching all corners of Uganda and impacting lives where it matters most. As the Ministry focuses on adapting to global educational standards, RDCs will ensure that socio-economic programs, including those under the Parish Development Model (PDM), are supported by educational initiatives that prepare Uganda’s youth for the workforce.
Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda’s appointment as Permanent Secretary thus heralds a new era for Uganda’s education system, one that is poised to play an integral role in the country’s socio-economic renaissance. With her exemplary academic background she brings the expertise needed to lead the Ministry toward achieving national development goals and social economic transformation.
As she assumes this critical role, we extend our best wishes for her success. May her leadership be marked by transformative achievements that advance Uganda’s education system and contribute to the country’s broader socio-economic transformation. With the support of the President, the First Lady, and key stakeholders like the RDCs/RCCs offices, Dr. Kedrace’s is well-positioned to leave a lasting legacy in Uganda’s journey towards progress and social economic transformation.
For God and my Country.
The writer is an Assitant RDC- Otuke District, Former Academics Minister, Makerere University & NRM Party Mobilizer.
0787806216 umitala@ldc.ac.ug