Delayed UPE funds, inadequate desks affecting education service delivery at Mukono govt school

Mukono, (UG):– A delegation of officials from President Museveni’s Office of the National Chairman (ONC) yesterday (Thursday) visited Mukono Town Muslim Primary School in Mukono District in an ongoing effort by the Kyambogo office to assess the progress and challenges in public schools under the government’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) program.

The ONC delegation, led by Mukono District Coordinator Mr. John Baptist Wamala, was warmly received by Mr. Olupot Nicholas, the Director of Studies at the school.

The ONC team learnt that Mukono Town Muslim Primary School, a government-aided institution, currently enrolls 820 pupils, including 60 candidates. The school registered commendable academic success in the 2024 PLE, with 28 pupils securing first grades and 92 attaining second grades.

Highlighting government support, Mr. Olupot, who represented the headmaster, acknowledged the various benefits the school has received, especially the capitation grant that has facilitated the renovation of seven classroom blocks and toilets, ensuring a more conducive learning environment.

Additionally, he said the school has also received textbooks for upper classes, and teachers’ salaries are paid promptly, which keeps morale high.

Despite these achievements, Olupot said the school grapples with several challenges that hinder its operations and the quality of education. Key among these are:

• Delayed release of UPE funds, disrupting the smooth implementation of school programs.
• Late reporting of pupils in Term One, which negatively impacts enrollment and academic planning.
• Inadequate desks, which force pupils to study in overcrowded and uncomfortable conditions.
• High costs of power and water, straining the school’s already limited resources.

Addressing these concerns, Mr. Wamala expressed the ONC’s commitment to advocating for timely solutions and vowed to raise these hurdles to the concerned authorities and the ONC Manager Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye.

“Education is a priority, and we recognize the need to create a supportive learning environment. We will engage relevant authorities to ensure that the challenges identified here are addressed,” he affirmed.

The ONC also pledged to work closely with education stakeholders, government agencies, and local leaders to find sustainable solutions for the challenges facing Mukono Town Muslim Primary School.

“We appreciate the dedication of the school administration and teachers in nurturing Uganda’s future leaders. Our office remains dedicated to ensuring that schools receive the necessary support to thrive under the UPE program,” Mr. Wamala concluded.

The visit, part of the ONC’s ongoing efforts to monitor and evaluate the performance of government-aided schools across the country, highlights the office’s broader commitment to improving education standards for quality learning of the Bazzukulu.