During the release of the 2023 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination results at State House, Nakasero, Minister of Education and Sports and First Lady, Ms. Janet Kataaha Museveni, announced directives for compulsory free Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs. These initiatives aim to provide accessible education options for those unable to afford private school fees.
Ms. Museveni emphasized that schools receiving public funds must implement free and compulsory universal education programs. Additionally, the government has increased funding in the education sector over the past two financial years, with at least Shs130 billion invested in the development and rollout of the revised Lower Secondary Curriculum.
Implementation of free and compulsory USE and UPE education will commence in a phased manner starting from the financial year 2024/2025. Under these programs, learners in beneficiary schools will not be charged fees for items covered by the government, except for boarding/accommodation costs, even if provided by the school.
Furthermore, Ms. Museveni extended the Technical Vocational and Training (TVET) selection date for UCE 2023 leavers to end on Friday, February 23. Selection for senior five students will take place from Monday, February 26 to Tuesday, February 27, with the first term commencing on Monday, February 11.
