KAMPALA — Minister and Alebtong District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Faith Lakisa Mercy, has led a national consultation aimed at reviewing Uganda’s National Adult Literacy Policy to ensure it responds to the country’s current socio-economic needs.
Lakisa engaged more than 100 District, City and Principal Community Development Officers (DCDOs, CCDOs and PCDOs), describing them as key frontline officers in driving grassroots transformation and the delivery of adult learning programmes across the country.
She said the consultation provides an opportunity to assess the progress made under the existing policy, identify operational challenges and develop a modern framework that reflects Uganda’s economic realities in 2026 and beyond.
According to Lakisa, the revised policy should broaden the definition of literacy beyond basic reading and writing to include digital, financial and functional competencies. She noted that these skills are increasingly important for citizens to participate effectively in the economy and improve household welfare.
The Minister emphasised that literacy is a critical driver of socio-economic empowerment, enabling citizens to manage personal finances, understand market dynamics, improve household productivity and make better use of Government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Lakisa further highlighted efforts to link functional literacy with poverty reduction through the integration of the Ultra Poverty Graduation Model into the PDM, working with partners including Village Enterprise and DVV International.
She said the approach is intended to equip vulnerable communities with practical knowledge and skills that can support sustainable livelihoods and reduce poverty.
Lakisa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening lifelong learning and ensuring that Uganda’s adult literacy programmes produce an empowered, self-reliant and productive citizenry capable of contributing to national development.
