Stakeholders in Bushenyi Urge Government to Boost UPE and USE Funding.

Education stakeholders in Bushenyi District have called on the government to increase funding for Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE), citing persistent challenges affecting the quality of education in public schools.

During a recent education stakeholders’ forum held in Bushenyi Municipality, participants raised concerns about poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and declining enrollment in government-aided schools. Headteachers, local leaders, and education officers emphasized that the current budget allocations are insufficient to meet the basic operational needs of schools.

“We are struggling to maintain classrooms, provide teaching materials, and support learners. Some schools have dilapidated buildings and lack access to clean water or proper sanitation,” said one headteacher from a rural primary school.

According to the district education department, some schools operate with as few as 50 pupils, far below expected numbers, due to community concerns over education quality and learning conditions.

Local leaders urged the Ministry of Education and Sports to review the current capitation grant rates and invest in improving school facilities, recruiting more teachers, and enhancing monitoring systems to ensure better outcomes under UPE and USE programs.

“We support free education, but without adequate funding, it’s hard to deliver meaningful learning. The government must prioritize education infrastructure and teacher welfare,” a district official said.

The call comes as the Ministry prepares its next fiscal year budget, with stakeholders across the country echoing similar concerns over the sustainability and effectiveness of UPE and USE policies.