Politics 1 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Questions Value of SWASA, Psychology, and Procurement Degrees at Labour Day Event
President Museveni criticized university graduates pursuing irrelevant degrees like social work, psychology, and procurement, urging them to acquire practical skills for Uganda's job market. He highlighted the need for commercial agriculture and warned against high-interest loans during Labour Day celebrations in Buikwe. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-what-can-you-do-with-your-swasa-psychology-or-procurement-degree--5443118
President Yoweri Museveni, speaking at International Labour Day events in Buikwe District on May 1, 2026, challenged the practicality of certain university courses. He pointed out a disconnect between academic choices and Uganda’s economic demands, using analogies like offering yams when tomatoes are needed.
Museveni shared an anecdote about meeting graduates with degrees in SWASA (Social Work and Social Administration), procurement, and psychology. He questioned job prospects, noting one psychology graduate’s vague ideas about prison work, and praised their quick success after gaining catering skills.
He recalled past warnings to education ministers about unchecked university expansion without market-aligned guidelines. Museveni advised those with such degrees to retrain for job creation, emphasizing behavioral shifts over job scarcity.
Highlighting agriculture’s potential, he said utilizing just 7 million of Uganda’s 40 million arable acres could generate over 150 million jobs, exceeding the population. He also cautioned against high-interest loans, promoting low-rate government options like UDB and Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
Museveni reiterated support for science professionals, proposing tax exemptions similar to those for military and police to boost the economy, while urging social scientists to prioritize practical fields first.
Source: Daily Monitor