Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
16 May 2008
Kampala — A huge debate over a government proposal to scrap religious education from the school curriculum may now come to an end following passage in Parliament of a law which recommends the teaching of religious education.
Passing the Education Bill 2007, the legislators, however, rejected a proposal by the Uganda Joint Christian Council and the Uganda Muslim Education Association to make the subject compulsory in schools.
Education minister, Namirembe Bitamazire moved a final amendment that reverted to the government's original position, according to the state-owned New Vision newspaper.
"After making thorough consultations, the amendment now reads 'Religious studies shall form part of the curriculum in primary and post-primary schools."
This means that the subject will be optional for the students. The Christian Council and the Muslim Education Association had argued that studying the subject would instill morals in the students.
Parliamentarians said although religious education was necessary for the spiritual growth of students; it would be a burden to those who have other compulsory subjects.
They also queried the criteria the government would use to approve the religions to be taught yet the Constitution provides for freedom of worship.
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