BY MICHAEL TUMWESIGYE
Education, as a universal human right and a driver of societal progress, is critical in both individual and societal development. In the global pursuit of sustainable development, SDG 4 holds the promise of achieving inclusive and high-quality education by 2030. However, with the success of the country’s education emerging as a sector with a crucial role in overall national progress, we envision a bigger challenge for the country. Persistent educational challenges such as; discrimination, poor quality education, high dropout rates, resource shortages and socio-
political disruptions remain issues to address. One of the most visible impediments to reaching universal education by 2030 is the exclusion of a significant number of children, youth and adults from formal education. Alarming statistics, particularly from sub-regions like Karamoja, highlight the prevalence of child labour as a direct result of limited access to education. According to the Uganda National Bureau of
Statistics in 2021, 40% of children aged 5-17 were engaged in child labour, some to date, can be seen on the streets of Kampala as beggars. This should call for an emergency.
Socio-economic contexts in most areas of Uganda often force girls into domestic responsibilities, while boys engage in non-formal work activities to support their families. Equity remains a pressing concern, with socio-economic status, gender, and geographic location influencing educational outcomes. Enrolment disparities rooted in urban-rural divides and gender imbalances persist, necessitating targeted interventions such as; gender equality initiatives, scholarship programmes and rural infrastructure development to level the playing ground and ensure quality education for all.
Over the last two decades, Uganda has witnessed a significant increase in primary and secondary school enrolment. While this accomplishment is commendable, it is increasingly evident that mere attendance does not guarantee effective learning. The SDG 4 target of providing equal access to high- quality education for all by 2030 appears to be falling behind schedule in Uganda.
With primary school dropout rates at 45% and secondary school dropout rates at 30%, coupled with a gender disparity favouring boys, the nation’s education system is teetering on the brink of an emergency. Pre-mature dropouts from school trap individuals in a cycle of unemployment and poverty. Even for those who are fortunate enough to still be in school, the quality of education remains a major concern due to a shortage of teachers. Inadequate pay and working conditions likewise discourage young people from pursuing a career in teaching, forcing experienced educators to leave the profession.
This crisis should be a wake-up call in 2024 for a significant investment in education access, teachers and infrastructure, going beyond rhetorical statements. Investing in teacher training programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives can provide educators with the knowledge and skills required for modern teaching methods, resulting in a more dynamic and adaptable teaching force. Infrastructure emerges as a cornerstone for creating a conducive learning environment. Regrettably, some schools lack proper buildings and
many are in disrepair. Students in sub-regions report deficiencies in basic amenities like; toilets, desks and chairs. Addressing these gaps require significant government investment, public-private partnerships and community engagement.
The digital age brings with it opportunities and challenges, the most notable of which is the digital divide. To ensure equitable access
to digital resources and prepare students for a technologically driven future, a multi-faceted approach involving infrastructure development,
student device distribution and comprehensive teacher training for seamless technology integration into the curriculum is required.
Comprehensive education reforms are imperative to chart a course forward.
Prioritising practical skills, critical thinking and digital literacy, gender equality in education, community empowerment and inclusive learning
resources is critical to developing a holistic learning ecosystem. Moving forward, the government must continue with curriculum reforms at
all levels of education. Collaboration between educational institutions and employers has the potential to bridge this gap, ensuring that education remains relevant and responsive to changing job market demands.
In 2023, the commercialization of education in Uganda created financial difficulties. The year witnessed an increase in school fees by over
10%. Notably, private schools have proliferated as a result of education sector liberalisation, posing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unqualified teachers and poor sanitation. Government intervention is therefore required to regulate private
schools, improve the quality of education in public schools and address issues such as underfunding and understaffing. Striking a balance is critical to preventing private schools from exploiting parents at the expense of their meagre earnings, emphasising the importance of viewing education as an investment in children rather than an investment in future returns. With alarmingly high school dropout rates, particularly among girls and a sizable portion of the population out of school, the need for immediate action is obvious. The overall decline in access to secondary and tertiary education, combined with limited opportunities for alternative employment in Uganda’s shrinking formal sector, emphasises the importance of non-formal education. Contrary to popular belief, non- formal education, which includes technical and vocational education, agricultural extension programmes, and adult literacy initiatives, plays an important role in rural poor economic
empowerment and can help to achieve Education for All
