Gov’t Allocates UGX 109.71Bn to Schools as Promotional Term Begins

Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | As schools open for the final and promotional term of the academic year, the government has released a significant amount of Shillings 109.71 billion in capitation grants to support teaching and learning. Dr. Denis Mugimba, the Ministry of Education and Sports spokesperson, emphasizes that these funds are already in school accounts, ensuring smooth operations in the education system. Schools that have not received their share should contact their local government officer promptly.

Out of the total amount, Shillings 61.49 billion is allocated for Universal Primary Education (UPE), while the rest goes to secondary schools under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) program. This funding represents 33 percent of the annual capitation grant budget, which is Shillings 329.16 billion for 12,433 UPE and 1,206 USE schools, excluding those in Kampala.

The capitation grant aims to support learners and is currently set at Shillings 17,000 per primary-level student and Shillings 56,000 per USE student. A significant portion, 35 percent, is allocated for instructional materials, including items like chalk. Co-curricular activities receive 20 percent, school management gets 15 percent, administration receives 10 percent, and 20 percent is earmarked for contingency expenses.

Despite the government’s efforts to release funds in a timely manner, headteachers like Francis Ssematimba of St. Maria Goretti Mpugwe Primary School and Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers Union-UNATU for Masaka City argue that the allocated funds remain insufficient. They believe that a larger allocation is needed to meet the requirements of schools within the universal education framework.

Dr. Mugimba counters this argument by stating that the capitation grant is only one part of the entire resource envelope for universal education programs, which includes various components like wages, capital development, and more, totaling Shillings 2.139 trillion in FY2022/2023.

However, there is an urgent call from Dr. Hamis Mugendawala of the National Planning Authority to increase the capitation grant substantially. He proposes elevating it to Shillings 63,546 per primary-level child, Shillings 532,720 for lower secondary students, and Shillings 885,440 for upper secondary students. This increase would alleviate financial burdens on parents and enhance the overall educational experience.

Despite calls for comprehensive school regulations, the issue remains unresolved, leading to increased costs for parents. Parliament has pressed the Ministry of Education and Sports to present these long-awaited regulations, but concrete progress remains elusive, with only promises and reassurances provided.

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