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Education System in Uganda: A Foundation for the Future

Start › Land & People: Uganda Country Information › Education System in Uganda: A Foundation for the Future

A complete school life of a Ugandan child begins with Primary School (7 years, P1–P7), continues in Lower Secondary School (4 years, S1–S4) and ends with Upper Secondary School (2 years, S5–S6) and thus university entrance qualification. There are 3 types of schools:

1. State schools

Under the UPE programme (since 1997), state primary schools are free of official school fees, so that every child is to be granted a minimum of school education. Parents bear only material costs (for example for school uniform and teaching material). In addition, parents also face the costs of the teaching material. In total, this is a heavy burden for many.

State secondary schools have also charged no official school fees since 2007 (USE programme); however, fees are still payable for private schools and better-equipped schools. Because many families are still unable to manage the additional costs, numerous children continue to leave school early.

2. Missionary schools

Here too fees are charged, but on the other hand scholarships are also awarded. In this way, children from poor families also have access to the important basic school education.

3. Private schools

These are regarded as the schools of the highest quality. The teaching staff receive the highest income, and the (fee-paying) parents place great value on a good education for their children. This then also has its price, which is for most Ugandans unaffordable.

The school year is divided into trimesters (February to May, May to August, September to November), each interrupted by short holidays. The examination period is at the beginning of December, followed by the long holidays until the beginning of February.

Universities

Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda Universities also exist in Uganda. With around 38,000 students, Makerere University in Kampala is the largest and best known in the country; since 2011 it has been divided into ten colleges.

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