Uganda will on Monday, September 8, join the rest of the world to mark International Literacy Day, with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development pledging fresh efforts to boost digital and adult literacy across the country.
The day will be celebrated under the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.” According to officials, the theme highlights the importance of equipping Ugandans with digital skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, Peace Regis Mutuuzo, said literacy is both “a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of national development.”
“As we approach International Literacy Day on September 8, 2025, it is with great pride and renewed determination that I address you today. This global observance stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of literacy,” Mutuuzo noted.
Uganda, she said, has observed the day since 2002 as part of its broader commitment to empower citizens through education. But despite progress, challenges remain.
“While we celebrate our progress—evidenced by a literacy rate of 76% (UBOS 2024)—we must also acknowledge the ongoing challenges. Despite significant strides, 24% of our population remains illiterate; in absolute numbers there are approximately 11.9 million Ugandans,” she said.
Mutuuzo outlined government interventions, including Universal Primary Education, Universal Secondary Education, vocational training initiatives, and the Functional Adult Literacy programme, which has already reached more than 3.3 million learners.
She further announced the scaling-up of the Support to the Implementation of Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (SUICOLEW) programme, with a planned investment of Shs 83 billion over the next five years. The initiative will expand community learning centres and strengthen digital literacy nationwide.
“A major contribution of the project is in advancing human capital development, particularly among marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” Mutuuzo explained.
This year’s commemoration will feature a literacy boot camp, symposiums, reading competitions, and graduation ceremonies for adult learners.
The minister urged all sectors—government, civil society, cultural and faith-based institutions, and the media—to work together to promote literacy.
“The advancement of literacy requires a unified approach, and each of us has a critical role to play in this collective endeavour,” she said.
Mutuuzo thanked Uganda’s development partners, saying;“Your contributions are instrumental in advancing our literacy goals and shaping a brighter future for Uganda.”
