The latest research findings into Uganda’s elementary education statement have unearthed glaring loopholes in the sub sector and pokes holes on the effectiveness of the Universal Primary Education (UPE).
Uwezo Uganda, a Civil Society Organization program tailored for primary education this morning released its findings of the research they conducted last year, about the status of Uganda’s element education.
Amongst its findings, was huge disparities in regional access to primary education despite its availability through UPE.
At the national level, the report pointed out that up to 4% of children aged 9 to 16 years have never stepped in school.
However, stark regional disparities in access to primary education still persist, with the north eastern Karamoja sub region performing worst.
For instance, it was found that in Kotido district, 61% of the children there of the ages 9-16 years have never been enrolled in any school.
In neighboring Nakapiripirit district, this figure stands at 35% while in Moroto in the same region, it is at 27%.
Other districts with the lowest primary school enrolment in the country include Kaboong (18%) Kiruhura (6%), Kibaale (6%), Hoima (6%) Lira (5%) and Kasese (5%).
61% of the children in Kotido of the ages 9-16 years have never been enrolled in any school
While this dismal primary school enrolment and late entry dates several decades back, the report points out the introduction of free education through UPE has not been sufficiently remedial.
Since the launch of the UPE program in 1997, it largely attracted favorable comments especially for the Primary subsector, with a gross enrolment of 110% and net enrolment rate of 93% as of 2014.
The Karamoja region having endured decades of internal strife, has been reported in the past years as being on a steady course of recovery.
Through a number of government programs complemented by international aid, efforts have been put in place to improve the lives of the locals in education, agriculture and trade.
At the launch of the report at Nakasero Primary School, UWEZO’s country manager Dr Goretti Nakabugo highlighted the need for government to double its efforts to address these loopholes.
She noted with concern that yesterday during the State of the Nation Address, President Yoweri Museveni did not mention anything to do with the education sector.
Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo explaining the findings in the report at the launch on Wednesday.
The report concluded recommending enhancement of early child development (ECD) programs to reduce late entry.