The advent of universal primary education (UPE) in Uganda:

Abstract

The starting of universal primary education (UPE) in Uganda was not a smooth affair. There was politicization of primary education to the extent that politicians had taken center-stage in policy formulation and monitoring. The research suggested employment of technical personnel in policy matters. Another issue was the high attrition rate at primary level. It was recommended that government should put in place measures to effect universal primary completion. The quality of education had remained low, because of the high pupil to teacher ratio and low teachers’ morale. In that respect, government should motivate the teachers. Corruption was a big challenge in Uganda and funds were embezzled. Government should hold all civil servants involved accountable at all levels. Whereas there was UPE, a number of parents could not afford it because of poverty. Government should intensify campaigns to increase household incomes and transform society from a peasantry economy to a middle-class economy. In Uganda, there was lack of a relevant curriculum to make the school product self-reliant. This study suggested 8 years of skill-based primary education. Methodology applied in this study is non-empirical based on the concept critical analysis of issues.