The Ministers in charge of Education in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have adopted recommendations on qualification framework to accelerate inclusive, and quality education for refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons, and host communities.
It follows the 4th Conference of the IGAD Ministers in charge of Education organized by IGAD under the theme “A Comprehensive Regional Qualifications Framework for Quality and Inclusive Education” held at Protea Hotel in Entebbe on Thursday.
The regional education framework aims to recognize the qualifications, skills, and competencies of IGAD region’s citizens to promote social transformation among the Member States with a combined population of 230 million people.
IGAD is an eight-country economic bloc that comprises Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan. Mira Musa Nimir, a Representative of Refugees lauded the conscious steps taken by the Authority to address the inclusive education needs of the refugees and freedom of labour movement.
IGAD’s Executive Secretary H.E Workneh Gebeyehu, in his address at the Conference which was delivered by Mme Fathia Alwan, the IGAD Director for Health and Social Development noted that education, especially for refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons – IDPs, and host communities is a fundamental right and a cornerstone for sustainable development.
Gebeyehu argued that the IGAD region citizens like the African continent, demand access to quality, affordable, equitable, and relevant education and skills development opportunities to benefit the dynamic, creative, receptive, and innovative population of the young people.
Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Education and Sports who represented the First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, the Minister of Education said Uganda believes the qualification framework will provide opportunities for education and employment of citizens among the Member States.
The IGAD Heads of State and Governments in March 2017 adopted the Djibouti Declaration which emphasized five key strategic interventions; inclusion of refugees and returnees into national education systems with a multi-year cost plan of action; higher education and post-secondary skills and competencies, accreditation and certification of education.
The IGAD region hosts an estimated 15 million displaced people, excluding voluntary migrants. This includes 5.2 million refugees and 9.6 million IDPs, especially those being forcibly displaced from their villages in some of the Member States due to ongoing armed conflicts.
Owing to economic, social, cultural, and religious limitations, school dropout in the IGAD region is one of the highest, especially among girls. The education experts assert that the problem is compounded by the low quality of education both in the mainstream host communities and refugee settings is a drawback to the attainment of the United Nations – UN, Sustainable Development Goal – SDG 4 and other interrelated SDGs established in 2015.
The regional instrument will recognize 20 different types of formal education qualifications including primary, vocational, and secondary, and higher education such as undergraduate and postgraduate. It will help also expand opportunities between various institutions and educational levels.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum