By The Insight Post Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
As schools throughout Uganda resume for the final and promotional term of the academic year, the government has disbursed UGX 109.71 billion in the form of capitation grants to facilitate the smooth operation of teaching and learning activities.
This financial infusion arrives at a pivotal juncture, guaranteeing the availability of funds in school accounts, thereby sustaining the uninterrupted functioning of the education system.
According to Dr. Denis Mugimba, the Ministry of Education and Sports spokesperson, underscored the importance of schools promptly contacting their local government officers if they have not yet received their allocated funds.
This allocation comprises UGX 61.49 billion designated for Universal Primary Education (UPE), with the residual portion apportioned to secondary schools participating in the Universal Secondary Education (USE) program.
These funds constitute 33 percent of the total annual capitation grant budget, which aggregates to UGX 329.16 billion. These grants are distributed across 12,433 UPE and 1,206 USE schools, excluding those located in Kampala. The capitation grant represents a pivotal annual commitment by the government, intended to fortify the educational pursuits of learners.
Breaking down the capitation grant structure, the current government allocation stands at UGX 17,000 per learner at the primary level and UGX 56,000 for each student enrolled in the USE program.
A substantial chunk of this grant, 35 percent, is earmarked for procuring essential instructional and scholastic materials, encompassing necessities such as chalk.
In addition, 20 percent of the grant caters to co-curricular activities, while 15 percent is allocated for school management, 10 percent for administrative purposes, and 20 percent is reserved for unforeseen expenses.
The issue of delayed fund disbursement, persistently voiced by headteachers in recent years, has hampered various educational activities. Consequently, the government has revamped its approach to ensure the timely allocation and disbursal of funds before each new term commences.
Notwithstanding the commendable efforts to expedite fund release, concerns linger regarding the sufficiency of the allocated funds. Headteachers argue that the present allocation of UGX 17,000 per year, translating to approximately UGX 5,666 per pupil per term, falls short of meeting the requisites of schools within the universal education framework.
Dr. Hamis Mugendawala, from the National Planning Authority, advocates for a substantial increase in the capitation grant. His proposal suggests elevating it to UGX 63,546 per child at the primary level, UGX 532,720 for lower secondary students, and UGX 885,440 for upper secondary education.
Such an augmentation in funding, proponents argue, would not only alleviate the financial burden on students’ families but also enhance the overall educational experience.
However, as the new term commences, the issue of school regulation continues to evade resolution, burdening parents with escalating costs for their children’s education. This quandary persists despite the government’s prior commitments to establish comprehensive regulations for both public and private educational institutions.
In a recent parliamentary development, efforts were made to pressure the Ministry of Education and Sports to expedite the long-awaited regulations, yet tangible progress remains elusive, with only reassurances and pledges being offered.
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