The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has urged the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to review the UGX 20,000 capitation grant allocated annually to each pupil studying in government-aided schools.

He made these remarks during a plenary sitting on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, where he highlighted that the UGX 20,000 is inadequate, noting that more funds should be committed to UPE and USE schools to ensure the smooth running of the education institutions.

He also put the government on the spot over the late release of grants, noting that this affects proper planning for schools.

“The Capitation Grant is money that is meant to empower the operations of these schools. It is used to pay utility bills, electricity, water, scholastic materials, and the general operations of these schools. So once this money is not available to the school, how do we expect them to operate?” Ssenyonyi stated.

He further classified that the government should first task the ministry concerned to send the money to these schools before the term opens for operation.

The National Representative of Persons with Disabilities in Parliament, Laura Kanushu, expressed disappointment about the government’s failure to provide enough funds for teachers handling children with disabilities.

She emphasized the lack of learning materials for pupils with disabilities in government-aided schools, lamenting that this situation leads to poor academic performance among these students.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directed the minister to provide a detailed statement on the matter, with particular emphasis on the educational outcomes of learners with disabilities.