The Parliament of Uganda has approved the introduction of a district quota system for the higher education student loan scheme. This decision offers hope for learners from remote regions to access financial support for their higher education endeavors. The recommendation for the quota system was passed during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
The adoption of the quota system came as part of the approval of the Higher Education Students’ Financing (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill, presented by the Minister of State for Education and Sports (Primary Education), Hon. Joyce Moriku, aimed to implement the government’s policy for the rationalization of government agencies and public expenditures, as endorsed by the cabinet.
However, the Committee on Education and Sports, represented by its chairperson, Hon. John Twesigye, voiced disagreement with the government’s policy on rationalization. Twesigye argued that integrating the board responsible for student financing under the education ministry would not address the existing structural and operational challenges faced by the scheme.
According to Twesigye, maintaining the Higher Education Students Financing Board as a semi-autonomous body would be more effective in fulfilling its mandate, suggesting a gradual transition to full autonomy.
Despite the committee’s stance, Maracha County Member of Parliament, Hon. Denis Oguzu, expressed dissent and advocated for the dissolution of the board. Oguzu proposed redirecting the funds allocated for the board’s operations to the student loan scheme, emphasizing the need for equitable access to education financing across all regions.
Oguzu highlighted the current selection process’s biases, which often disadvantage learners from rural communities with limited access to technology infrastructure. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring that the student loan scheme serves all regions fairly.
In response to Oguzu’s concerns, the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Chrysostom Muyingo, acknowledged the importance of the minority report. Muyingo pledged to develop guidelines under the Education Act to incorporate the district quota system into the student loan scheme, ensuring equitable distribution of funds across districts.
Muyingo emphasized the effectiveness of the quota system in promoting inclusivity and announced plans to allocate funds accordingly to ensure each district receives its share of financial support for higher education.
