Cyprian Musoke and John Odyek
13 May 2008
Kampala — TO teach or not to teach religious education as a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools was at the centre of debate yesterday as MPs considered the Education Bill 2007.
While some argued that it was necessary for the student's holistic growth, others contended that it would unnecessarily burden students with another compulsory subject.
The latter argued that religious studies should at most be compulsory up to primary level and remain optional in secondary school.
Presenting the social services committee report, committee chairman James Kubeketerya supported the clause in the Bill that read: "Religious studies approved by the Government shall be compulsorily taught in primary and post-primary schools for purposes of producing disciplined, responsible and morally conscience citizens."
This sparked off another argument regarding the criteria the Government would use in approving religions to be taught in schools.
"You talk about religions approved by the Government yet the Constitution says there shall be freedom of worship, how are you going to approve some and leave others? Won't that contradict the Constitution?" asked opposition chief whip Kassiano Wadri.
Education minister Namirembe Bitamazire and Kubeketerya explained that after consulting the Uganda Joint Christian Council and the Uganda Muslim Education Association, they had agreed that Islam and Christian Religious Education be maintained as the basic.
Bitamazire argued that the studies should also be examinable. However, Wadri argued that: "Why don't we leave it open. If we leave the Government to choose, all religions will want to be on the syllabus."
John Odit (Erute South) said leaving the provision open would attract sects, that have fundamentalist tendencies. "We should have some set standards."
The House resolved to defer the matter to today, to allow MPs make further consultations. They also failed to agree on whether to criminalise parents who refuse to provide food for their school-going children.
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The andwer to this seems obvious.