Education in Uganda... some facts
- Although Universal Public Education was introduced in Uganda in 1997 for primary school children, education in Uganda is not free. Families must still pay for learning materials such as pencils, paper, exercise books, uniforms, meals and transportation.
- At present, there are nearly 2 million HIV/aids orphans in Uganda. Literature shows that these orphans face unique problems when it comes to school attendance, including possible intra-household discrimination.
- Uganda’s drop-out rate is high. In Kampala alone, close to 50% of pupils who enroll in Primary 1 do not complete Primary 7 in the set time frame.
- The quality of public education in Uganda is poor: with large class sizes, lack of proper furniture, equipment, and school supplies, and an education style that discourages active participation between children and teachers.