The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming education in Uganda through increased funding and strategic interventions outlined in the Financial Year 2025/26 National Budget presented by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija on 12th June 2025.
The sector’s allocation of Shs5.04 trillion marks a significant increase from the Shs4.2 trillion allocated in the 2024/25 budget, reflecting a clear prioritization of education in the country’s development agenda.
Speaking during the budget presentation, Minister Kasaija emphasized the critical role education plays in national progress.
“Education is the foundation for national development. This year’s increased allocation reflects our commitment to ensuring every Ugandan child, regardless of background, can access quality education that prepares them for the future,” he said.
Kasaija highlighted that the government currently supports 9.52 million learners under Universal Primary Education (UPE) and 995,116 students under Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Post O’ Level Education and Training.
“Our commitment to free education remains firm. We will continue to provide access without discrimination to all eligible learners,” he added.
Higher education has also seen increased government support, with more than 5,192 students benefiting from the Higher Education Students’ Loan Financing Scheme.
In addition, 4,000 learners are currently sponsored by the government in public universities.
“Our investments in higher education scholarships and loans are designed to nurture skilled professionals who can drive innovation and economic growth,” Kasaija noted.
Infrastructure development remains a top priority, with 166 seed schools already constructed under the Uganda Investment in Financial Transformation (UgIFT) programme.
“To widen access and improve learning environments, we plan to build 116 new seed schools and expand 61 existing secondary schools next year,” Kasaija explained.
The government will also rehabilitate 120 traditional secondary schools and 31 special needs primary schools, signaling a push for inclusive education.
Teacher capacity building is a critical component of the reforms. The Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE), established to upgrade primary school teachers to degree level, has enrolled 1,000 students across five campuses.
“We are investing in our teachers because they are the backbone of quality education. Upgrading their qualifications will translate to better learning outcomes for our children,” the minister stated.
Digitization is another key reform area. To enhance quality compliance, the government has digitalised school inspections for all public schools and TVET institutions.
Kasaija remarked, “Technology is helping us monitor standards more efficiently and hold institutions accountable.”
Curriculum reforms are well underway, with the rollout of the Competence-Based Curriculum for A-Level education. A total of 357,120 learners have successfully completed the four-year lower secondary cycle and are now transitioning to the new curriculum. “Our education system is evolving to produce learners equipped with practical skills and competencies relevant for today’s job market,” said the minister.
The Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) sector has undergone reforms to boost industry involvement. A new TVET Council and Sector Skills Councils have been established to align training with sector needs.
Kasaija emphasized, “TVET is critical for closing the skills gap in our economy. We must ensure that training is relevant and demand-driven.”
Beyond education-specific initiatives, the government is investing Shs 1.34 trillion in sports infrastructure as part of preparations for the 2025 CHAN and 2027 AFCON tournaments.
This includes ongoing construction of stadia in Hoima and Akii Bua, upgrades to the Mandela National Stadium, and commissioning of the National High-Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa.
Other important plans include improving the textbook-to-student ratio from the current 1:15 to 1:3, operationalizing Bunyoro and Busoga universities, and intensifying recruitment of teachers and non-teaching staff.
The minister pledged, “These efforts will ensure we have adequate human resources and learning materials to support our expanding student population.”
In closing, Minister Kasaija affirmed that education is a government priority not only for social equity but as a catalyst for economic transformation.
“Our investments today will yield a skilled, knowledgeable workforce that can propel Uganda towards middle-income status and beyond.”