UNESCO GEM report shows how early universal education expanded access, but struggled to convert enrolment into meaningful learning COVER STORY | RONALD MUSOKE | When the Uganda government opened the school gates in the late 1990s to four children per household across the country, it was lauded as one …
Read More »Underfunding threatens Uganda’s education gains, UNESCO warns
Kampala, Uganda | URN | A new UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report highlights chronic underfunding as one of the biggest barriers to education in Uganda. It warns that low public spending continues to undermine learning outcomes and fuel alarmingly high dropout rates across the country. Uganda has, over the years, …
Read More »150 UPE schools in Luwero operating in dilapidated structures
Luwero, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The poor state of 150 schools under the Universal Primary Education programme in Luwero district has forced learners to take lessons in nearby churches and tree shades. The most affected primary schools include Vvumba, Kangave, Nakigoza, Bombo Mixed, Kibanyi, Luwero Boys, Kakabala, Lusenke, Kyanukuzi, …
Read More »Education budget requires a 440% boost to meet quality goals
Uganda spends just 2.7% of its GDP on education, compared to an East African average of 4.2%, and a global benchmark of 4–6 % recommended by UNESCO. Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda will need to increase its education budget by a staggering 440 percent if it is to …
Read More »Five parents arrested for failure to send children to school
Kwania, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The police in Kwania District, Northern Uganda, have briefly detained five parents for failing to take their children to school. They were arrested on Monday during an operation led by Alan Aboce, Akali Sub-County Chief. Daniel Okullo, Susan Alaba, and Bosco Dunge, all residents of …
Read More »FREE SCHOOL FEEDING: Court gives Govt 5 days to explain failed policy
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Constitutional Court has given the government five days to explain its failure to provide meals to children in public schools, especially those under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs. The ultimatum arose from a 2023 petition by the …
Read More »Parents demand transfer of headteacher for diverting UPE funds
Katakwi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Parents of Abela Primary School in Katakwi District on Tuesday locked the Head teacher, Isaiah Euchu, out of his office for allegedly diverting funds for curricular activities. The disgruntled parents who stormed the school locked out the head teacher, demanding answers for his failure …
Read More »UPE: Head teachers want automatic promotion policy reconsidered
Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A group of head teachers in Kasese District is urging the government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, to reconsider certain aspects of the policy that allows for the automatic promotion of pupils under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program. Automatic promotion was …
Read More »Recount ordered after leaders raise concern over inflated pupil numbers in Jinja UPE schools
Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Jinja district’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Lilian Nakamate has announced that the Ministry of Education has ordered a recount of all students in both UPE and Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools. This recount, to be coordinated by GISOs and DISOs, aims to eliminate inflated …
Read More »Govt asked to reconsider funding for education sector
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The call for increased funding to the education sector was again highlighted as Uganda observed its first-ever National Education Day. The celebration occurred at Kololo ceremonial ground, bringing together various stakeholders in the sector. This included parents, teachers, students, political leaders, technocrats, and development …
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The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price