By Mulengera Reporters
The Ministry of Education is grappling with a funding shortfall that threatens to derail the implementation of free and compulsory universal primary education across Uganda.
The Ministry requires UGX 309.16 billion to operationalize the program, along with an additional UGX 87.6 billion to facilitate the takeover of 300 primary and 100 secondary schools, which their owners have requested the government to grant aid.
These funding gaps were highlighted by James Kubeketerya, Chairperson of Parliament’s Education Committee, during his presentation to the Budget Committee on January 24, 2025.
“The Ministry needs UGX 309.16 billion to implement free and compulsory primary education, but this has not been included in the 2025/26 budget. The Ministry of Finance should allocate additional funds for this program,” Kubeketerya said.
However, some MPs questioned the government’s commitment to funding education priorities. Dickson Kateshumbwa (Sheema Municipality) criticized the executive for failing to finance its directives.
“If both the Minister of Education and the Minister of Finance sit in Cabinet and there is a directive, why didn’t the Ministry allocate funds? Have you engaged with the Ministry of Finance to find out why they are not implementing their own resolutions?” Kateshumbwa asked.
UGX 1.29 Trillion Sector Shortfall
The shortfall in free primary education funding is part of a larger UGX 1.29 trillion deficit in the education sector. Kateshumbwa expressed doubts about the feasibility of Parliament’s recommendations, urging a more targeted approach to address critical needs.
“We are making these recommendations, but realistically, what do we expect to achieve? The Committee should prioritize and push the Ministry of Finance to focus on the most urgent areas,” he said.
Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West) countered by emphasizing the dire state of Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools. “Visit your constituencies and look at UPE schools—most are in terrible condition. While we understand the budget constraints, we must allocate at least some funds to each institution to address these challenges,” he argued.
Kateshumbwa also called on the Education Committee to scrutinize agencies’ work plans, citing an Auditor General’s report that showed the 2024/25 budget performed at only 18%. He noted instances where funds were allocated without proper implementation, undermining the sector’s overall performance.
Gov’t Seeks UGX 87.6 Billion for School Takeovers
The Ministry is also seeking UGX 87.6 billion to grant aid to 300 primary and 100 secondary schools, addressing gaps in education access across the country.
“The estimated cost of taking over a secondary school is UGX 666 million, while a primary school requires UGX 70 million. The Ministry needs UGX 66.6 billion for secondary schools and UGX 21 billion for primary schools. We recommend that the Ministry of Finance provide these funds to the Ministry of Education and Sports,” said Kubeketerya.
The takeover costs include capitation grants, procurement of textbooks, and other instructional materials. The Ministry emphasized that education remains a catalyst for national development and should be prioritized.
Rehabilitation Needs for Gov’t Schools
To address the dilapidated state of many government school buildings, the Ministry has requested UGX 100 billion for the rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools under the school facilities grant and maintenance budget.
“Most government school structures are in poor condition, creating unsafe and undesirable learning environments. The Ministry requires UGX 100 billion for rehabilitation works to ensure a conducive learning environment,” Kubeketerya added.
As Uganda’s education sector struggles with significant financial gaps, Parliament faces the challenge of ensuring the Ministry of Finance allocates adequate resources to meet the sector’s urgent needs. The decisions made in the coming weeks will determine the future of millions of Ugandan learners. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
