Despite government policies promising free education, families in Uganda continue to shoulder a heavy financial burden. In Kampala, where private schools dominate the sector, the cost of education remains out of reach for many households.
“Education financing in Uganda remains a significant challenge, with households bearing a substantial portion of the cost, despite free education policies,” says Charity Mutagamba, the CEO of Fincom Technologies.
“Private schools dominate, and public funding often falls short.”
Parents often find themselves relying on personal savings, loans, or informal community support to cover school fees. With rising costs and limited government subsidies, many families are forced to make difficult decisions — sometimes choosing which child to send to school.
According to Mutagamba, bridging the financing gap requires a multi-pronged approach.
“The funding gap is tackled through policy reforms, partnerships, and innovative tools like school fees, loans and savings platforms,” she explains.
Such solutions not only ease the pressure on households but also create more equitable access to education for children across different income levels.
Mutagamba emphasises that government involvement and transparency are critical. Without stronger public investment and accountability, private solutions alone cannot sustain long-term change.
“Ensuring proper education financing requires government support, transparency, and inclusive financial solutions,” she notes.
To drive these conversations forward, the upcoming Education Financing Symposium will convene policymakers, educators, financial experts, and development partners.
The gathering aims to explore sustainable solutions, share best practices, and promote innovative financing models to make education more affordable and accessible for all Ugandan children.
As education remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s development, addressing its financing challenges is urgent. With collaboration between the government, private sector, and communities, stakeholders hope to build a system where no child is left behind because of school fees.
