President Yoweri Museveni has urged universities and secondary schools to work together as a means to advance skills development.Museveni said there was critical need for educational institutions to team up to spur the country's development.

He said the country is moving away from subsistence to modern technology, adding it is through education that this can be achieved.

This was contained in a speech read by security minister Muruli Mukasa last Saturday at the centenary celebrations of Bweranyangi Girls' SS in Bushenyi district.

Museveni said the Government's strategy of introducing free education from primary to university level is aimed at the social and economic transformation of the country.

He added that the free education programmes had given new hope to the young generation.

The President cautioned the youth to live responsibly, knowing the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

"The future of this nation depends on how you live," he said.

Museveni congratulated the old girls of the school who included his wife, Janet, staff, parents and all other stakeholders of the school.

He said the school, which was started in 1912 by the Church Missionary Society, had produced many influential women serving in various sectors in the country.

Museveni commended the church saying,"I want to hail the church for nurturing this school. The school has offered quality education and produced people who are loyal, God-fearing and patriotic, with integrity and good leadership skills."

He asked the OGs to support Government efforts in strengthening education by giving back to the school which nurtured them.

Museveni pledged sh80m towards the construction of the school library, of which sh30m was delivered in cash.

Information and national guidance minister Mary Karooro Okurut said the school had the potential to be elevated to a university.

The headmistress, Jennifer Mwesigwa, said they needed about sh1.2b to construct a modern library to cater for the increasing student population, which has shot up to1,550 students.

The school started with eight students with its first site at Kamukuzi in Mbarara before it was moved to Ogwenshekye hill in Ruharo and later in 1952 it was moved to Bweranyangi hill to get ample space for expansion.

President Museveni was given an award for promoting women's cause through affirmative action, creating a conducive environment for the growth and development of education institutions and as a former teacher at the school.

Janet Museveni was awarded for being an exemplary, cultured and distinguished old girl.

Over sh100m in cash and pledges was raised at the function.