The Ministry of Education and Sports has revealed that only 2.412 billion shillings has been recovered out of the 141.88 billion disbursed under the Students Loan Scheme.
This was disclosed by Commissioner for Planning at the Higher Education Students Financing Scheme, Micheal Aliyo, while presenting the ministry’s 2026/2027 budget.
Members of Parliament on the committee had sought an update on loan recoveries from graduates who are now employed and in response Aliyo noted that recoveries remain low compared to the total amount issued.
Over the past 12 years, the scheme has supported 18,501 beneficiaries, including 179 persons with disabilities.
The ministry has been allocated an additional 10 billion shillings to support the scheme in the next financial year with the expectation to fund about 3,000 new beneficiaries annually and cover at least 50 percent of eligible applicants.
Meanwhile, Mbale City Woman MP Connie Galiwango expressed concern over declining numbers of student loan beneficiaries, despite increased government investment in UPE and USE.
By Lubega Francis
10th April 2026
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