Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
6 May 2008
Kampala — RELIGIOUS studies will remain on the primary and secondary schools syllabus, the minister of ethics and integrity said yesterday.
James Nsaba Buturo refuted reports that the Cabinet had passed a resolution banning the teaching of religious studies.
He admitted that the matter had been discussed in Cabinet.
On February 8, the resolutions of a Cabinet retreat that run from 21-27 January were sent to President Yoweri Museveni.
Resolution number 10 said: "Agreed that from a strategic and ideological point of view, it was not appropriate for the Government to condone the continuous teaching of religious education in schools and that rather, the activity be left for the home and church."
The letter noted that the decisions were not final.
The document also added that that the education ministry would submit a detailed Cabinet memorandum on the curriculum review and the restructuring of secondary schools.
Buturo, who addressed journalists at the Media Centre, insisted that the proposal was never endorsed by the Cabinet.
"Some members in Cabinet raised this matter but after debate, it was rejected and all levels of our education system will continue teaching religious studies."
The minister said religion was important for moral development in schools.
"The Government wishes to disassociate itself from the reports. This is because it is aware that the place of religion and its teaching in Ugandan educational institutions is the bedrock of our stability and harmony among communities."
The proposed ban sparked an intense public debate.
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