Stakeholders in the education sector are calling on the government to raise capitation grants to schools to ensure the success of universal primary and secondary education programs. Educators in Kabale District emphasize that increasing these grants is essential for improving school infrastructure and providing meals for learners.
Mr. Zadock Tumuhimbise, Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers Union and head teacher of Bufuka Primary School in Kabale District, notes that the current capitation grant of Shs20,000 per pupil per year is inadequate. He highlights that the rising costs of school supplies make it challenging for schools to meet their needs with the current funding.
According to Mr. Tumuhimbise, many schools face difficulties due to insufficient funding from the central government, which often delays the release of capitation grants. He stresses the importance of increasing these grants to align with the escalating costs of educational materials.
Mr. Moses Bwengye, Kabale District Education Officer, echoes these sentiments, stating that the current capitation grant is insufficient. He highlights the temptation for schools to charge extra fees for meals and infrastructure development due to the inadequate funding.
Mr. Bwengye emphasizes the need for increased capitation grants to provide meals for learners and support infrastructure development, as the absence of these essentials contributes to high dropout rates in primary schools. He notes that only 43 percent of primary schools in Kabale have standard infrastructure.
Other stakeholders express concerns that government directives banning the collection of fees from educational institutions without increasing capitation grants hinder the smooth implementation of universal education programs.
However, Mr. Enock Kazooba, LCIII chairperson of Ryakarimira Town Council in Kabale District, emphasizes the importance of parental investment in education. While acknowledging the government’s provision of capitation grants for scholastic materials and teacher salaries, he urges parents to support their children’s education by providing packed meals.
