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In the FY 2010/11, the total number of classrooms in all primary schools was 142,802, and by June
2011/12, the number of classrooms had increased by 1.2% to the tune of 144,513 classrooms.
Consequently, the pupil class ratio was maintained at 54 in FY 2011/12.
(iv) Gender Parity in Primary Schools
School access programs in the sector aim at reducing the gap between boys and girls in education so
as to promote equality in lifelong opportunities. The programmes are intended to ensure that both
boys and girls leave the school system with an education or vocational training according to their
capabilities and free from gender categorization. Evidence available shows that the proportion of girls
enrolling in school has increased in Uganda. Enrolment of girls and boys at primary school level has
reached the parity level. During the period under review, a total of 8,317,420 (Male 4,161,057; female
4,156,363) pupils were enrolled in primary schools of which 50% were female. For the last two
financial years, more girls were enrolled in school as compared to the boys. This indicates progress as
far as educating the girl child is concerned. See table 4.6.
Table: 4.6.Percentage share of pupils by gender
FY 2010/11 2011/12
Female 50.1% 50.0%
Male 49.9% 50.0%
Source: EMIS 2011/12
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(d)
Constraints/Challenges
Some of the key barriers to enhancing equitable access in the basic education subsector include the
following;
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Absenteeism of teachers and pupils is crippling the Universal Primary Education (UPE)
Programmes;
Seven thousand shillings per child per year is no longer adequate considering the cost of
living. It should be raised to atleast ten thousand shillings per child per year;
Funds allocated under SFG/PRDP civil works are far below the need for construction of
classrooms, teachers’ houses, and pit latrines;
Insufficient teaching and learning materials;
Majority of teachers commute from very far due to inadequate teachers’ houses; and,
There is a ban on grant aiding schools yet the demand is very high.
4.1.2 Secondary Education
Secondary education has experienced tremendous growth during the past decade. The introduction of
Universal Secondary Education in 2007 resulted into increased enrolment to 1,106,000 in both
government and private secondary schools (EMIS – 2011). However, in order to facilitate the students’
development of knowledge and an understanding of the various emerging needs of society and the
economy, the secondary education sub­sector, has come up with a number of policy objectives for FY
2011/12 that include: to increase access and equity of secondary education; improving quality of
secondary education; enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of secondary education
ESSAPR FY 2011/12 to inform the 19 th ESSR – OCTOBER 2012