The activists warned that, in the medium and long term, experienced civil servants might resign in large numbers, contrary to the government's intended objective of retention.
Gonzaga Kaswarra, an education consultant, says there is an urgent need to examine the underlying factors contributing to the trend and understand why more boys are not attending school or experiencing higher dropout rates. He called for a thorough analysis to address the causes and ensure boys are not left behind.
According to data from the World Bank and UNICEF, approximately 16 percent of children in Uganda—around 2.5 million—live with some form of disability. However, only 5 percent of these children access education through inclusive learning, while 10 percent attend special schools.
"Kotido has 79 parishes, but only 21 primary schools and 6 secondary schools across 19 sub-counties. This will soon be inadequate if not addressed now," Oola stated.
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, Dr. Denis Mugimba, the Ministry of Education spokesperson, clarified that the Ministry has decided to modify the existing A-Level curriculum to align with the teaching and learning approaches of the new lower secondary curriculum.
This shift in strategy follows years of unmet government promises and increasing frustration over the glaring pay gap between Arts and Science teachers.
Filbert Baguma the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) General Secretary because of government’s delay to fulfil this promise, the body resolved to conduct a campaign in Teso and Western region where they have given free pads to the needy. When they went back to assess school attendance, he says they found abseentism rates to have reduced among girls.
Students from Mbale SS noted that the school permits boys to carry phones, but they are only allowed for use during weekends, while at off-campus hotels, or during free time, with some locations providing Wi-Fi. However, girls are not permitted to have gadgets.
Gulu City Education Officer, Richard Irwenyo, highlighted the growing demand for special needs education. He pointed out that the three existing special needs schools have become referral centers, even drawing students from neighboring South Sudan.
As the British Council’s Commonwealth Scholarships celebrated 65 years, it was noted that at least 1,700 Ugandans have benefited from the program since its inception in 1959. The initiative supports financially disadvantaged but talented individuals with the potential to effect positive change, especially in their home countries.
Mugyenyi alleges that the district leadership has been concealing the truth from the Minister regarding the school's construction and has provided inaccurate information about his company, claiming they have not committed any wrongdoing.
Raymond Ombere Obayi, the Principal Education Officer for Arua City, described the situation as “embarrassing,” emphasizing that it is not something anyone wants to celebrate.
Midwives play a crucial role in providing emotional, physical, and medical support to expectant mothers, ensuring safe and healthy childbirth. However, the role has traditionally been viewed as a female profession.
The school, designed to accommodate a maximum of 300 students in its boarding section, currently houses over 500 out of its total population of 870 learners. This overcrowding has compromised the students' privacy and raised serious health concerns.
Prof Buyinza pointed out that the board has faced significant issues over the years with physical forms submitted, which had to be entered into the system by data clerks. This process has sometimes resulted in incorrect information being recorded, negatively impacting applicants.
"I congratulate Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda on her appointment as the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education. I thank Dr. Jane Egau Okou, the Under Secretary in the Ministry who served in the acting position, for her contributions. I have full confidence in her collaborative efforts with Dr. Turyagyenda," Mrs. Museveni wrote on the platform.
Uganda Radio Network has learned that the breakthrough occurred during a high-level meeting at the State House last week, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni.
