KAMPALA – Minister of Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi informed Parliament today that the Ministry disbursed Shs134Bn for capitation grants to local governments ahead of the school reopening.
“In quarter III, we released Shs134Bn for capitation grants. This money was distributed to the districts, and we expect the local governments to expedite the process of warranting the funds. While some districts have already completed this process, others are still in progress,” stated Minister Musasizi.
Minister Musasizi highlighted that local governments are responsible for ensuring these funds reach the respective schools.
His remarks came in response to inquiries from the Leader of the Opposition, who raised concerns about the delayed disbursement of capitation grants to UPE schools, resulting in some schools remaining closed.
Ssenyonyi, emphasizing the importance of adequate funding for education, urged the government to address the issue promptly, questioning whether the delay stemmed from challenges within the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, or Ministry of Local Government.
He further called for a review of the current allocation of Shs20,000 per pupil annually under the UPE capitation grant, arguing that such a minimal investment is insufficient to meet the needs of students and maintain educational standards.
“This capitation grant is insufficient. With only Shs20,000 per UPE pupil per year, we cannot expect these students to compete at an international level or achieve optimal educational outcomes. Investing adequately in education is crucial for securing the future of our youth,” expressed Ssenyonyi.
