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eputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has directed the Ministry of Education to provide a comprehensive report on the status of these schools
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By Our Reporter
PARLIAMENT – In response to growing complaints from Members of Parliament about the deteriorating state of Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has directed the Ministry of Education to provide a comprehensive report on the status of these schools.
The directive follows a heated debate in Parliament led by Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu, who expressed frustration over delays in disbursing capitation grants to schools. Ssewungu highlighted the increasing burden on MPs, who are often called upon to fund basic supplies like chalk and pens, and even build toilets and maintain infrastructure at UPE schools in their constituencies.
“We need an audit of UPE schools in Uganda,” said Ssewungu. “It’s the MPs who are building toilets, providing blackboards, and ensuring schools can run. The little money given by the government is useless if it’s not sent in time. Headteachers are calling MPs to assist with even the smallest items like chalk. Where are we heading?”
Joseph Sewungu
Ssewungu’s concerns stem from delays in the Ministry of Education's disbursement of capitation grants, which he attributes to the Ministry’s requirement for schools to validate student enrollment numbers. While he acknowledged the importance of verifying student data, he argued that this responsibility lies squarely with the Ministry of Education, and learners should not suffer due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
"Parents, teachers, and learners are in the dark. Schools need money to run, and this validation exercise should not halt the learning process," Ssewungu added. He cited specific examples, including Buganda Road Primary School, Bat Valley Primary School, and Kitante Primary School, all of which are grappling with a lack of basic facilities like pit latrines.
Capitation grant delays
The issue of capitation grant delays was further addressed by Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance, who explained that the delay in funds disbursement is tied to the validation process initiated by the Ministry of Education. He emphasized that schools must verify their student enrollment before funds can be released, a process that has caused disruptions in some institutions as they struggle to open for Term Three.
Dr. Moriku Kaducu
Minister of State for Primary Education, Dr. Moriku Kaducu, defended the Ministry's actions, stating that the headcount verification process is essential to resolve disparities in reported student numbers. She noted that the Ministry had sent a directive to all headteachers to carry out the verification, which would allow funds to be allocated accurately based on actual enrollment figures.
“I can confirm that this process has been completed for 158 Local Governments, and funds will be disbursed to schools accordingly,” said Kaducu. She added that the Ministry had initially approved payments for 113 Local Governments and had since cleared an additional 45.
In response to the Deputy Speaker's call for an audit, Kaducu requested three months to compile a detailed report on the state of UPE schools. Parliament agreed to this timeline, acknowledging the scale of the task.
MPs Demand Immediate Action
However, MPs like Ssewungu warned that the situation requires more immediate attention. “As we wait for this report, we must ensure schools have the resources they need to continue functioning. These delays cannot be allowed to continue,” Ssewungu argued.
The Deputy Speaker supported the call for a swift resolution, emphasizing the importance of UPE in Uganda’s education system and the urgent need to address the current challenges.
As the debate continues, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Education's forthcoming report, which is expected to shed light on the true state of Uganda's UPE schools and the long-standing issues they face.
Torch Media Africa
