Examining the Successes of Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education Policies in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose: The mission statement of the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) in Uganda is to provide for, support, guide and co-ordinate, regulate, and promote quality education and sports to all persons in Uganda for national integration, individual and national development. It is in these lenses that the Ugandan government adopted the UPE and USE programs to educate her children. Methodology: This paper uses document review methodology to assess successes achieved by both the Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education programs adopted by the Uganda government in 1997 and 2006 respectively. Findings: Assessment results show that both programs have had a positive impact on access and equity of previously vulnerable children who could not afford self-educational sponsorship. However, the issue of quality education provision is yet to be achieved. Recommendations: The study therefore recommends further research into examination of the relationship between UPE pupils' low performance levels in literacy and numeracy and their somewhat good performance at Primary Leaving Examinations. All stakeholders should desist from politicizing educational issues and instead concentrate on formulating evidence-based policies based on developmental needs for joint ownership and implementation of the respective Free Education Policies.