Govt releases UGX 109.7Bn in Capitation grants to schools

By Our reporter

18^th Sept 2023

As schools open up their gates to learners for the final and promotional term of this academic year, the government has released Shillings 109.71 billion in capitation grants to facilitate school activities.

Dr. Denis Mugimba, the Spokesperson Ministry of Education and Sports, says the release is just coming in time to ensure a smooth running of teaching-learning activities.

He adds that the funds are already in the school accounts, thereby ensuring a seamless operation of the education system. “A school that has not received its proportions should immediately contact the respective officer of their local government,” the spokesperson noted.

Available information indicates that Shillings 61.49 billion is earmarked for Universal Primary Education (UPE), with the remainder allocated to secondary schools under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) program.

The funds constitute 33 percent of the annual capitation grant budget, which stands at Shillings 329.16 billion for both programs implemented in 12,433 UPE and 1,206 USE schools, excluding those in Kampala. The capitation grant is an annual commitment from the government aimed at supporting the education of learners.

Currently, the government allocates Shillings 17,000 Ugandan per learner at the primary level and Shillings 56,000 per student enrolled under the USE program. According to guidelines, a significant portion of the grant, amounting to 35 percent, is designated for essential instructional and scholastic materials, including items such as chalk.