The Performance of UPE in Uganda, Masaka District: A Case of Kyanamukaaka Sub County

Abstract

The study was conducted in Masaka District, Kyanamukaaka Sub County. It examines the performance of UPE schools in Uganda specifically Masaka district, Kyanamukaaka Sub County. It focuses on the enrollment and dropout rate of pupils in UPE schools, the quality of education attained by pupils in these schools and the equity in education and then shows how they affect the performance of pupils in UPE schools. The study was conducted using qualitative methods of collecting data where focus group discussions of 10 pupils of upper primary were engaged in the discussion. Key informant interviews were held with the DEO Masaka district, Head teachers and teachers, and questionnaires were administered to Head teachers and teachers of the 10 schools that were included in the study. The findings of the research indicated that before the introduction of UPE in Uganda, pupil’s enrollment was generally low; equity in education was a serious problem both in terms of PWDs and gender. The quality of education was generally poor. After the introduction of UPE in Uganda specifically Masaka district, there was an increase in pupils enrollment for both boys and girls though the dropout rate in still high mostly for girls. Quality of education is still poor due to lack of instructional materials in schools and also lack of parents and pupils commitment to education. Equity in education is still lacking as far as PWDs is concerned but it has been improving in terms of gender. The funding indicates poor performance of UPE schools. There is a need for the government increase the funding of UPE schools, sensitize the parents to know their role under UPE and also teacher’s motivation is very important.