UPE Schools Face Mounting Pressure From Congestion And Aging Facilities

Kampala, August 18, 2026 - Uganda's Universal Primary Education schools are facing worsening congestion and aging infrastructure, raising concerns over learning conditions and the adequacy of public education financing.

Education officials said the capitation grant is based on enrolment, with each financial year's funding tied to enrolment figures recorded during the previous budgeting cycle. That formula has left schools struggling when infrastructure needs rise faster than budget allocations.

The pressure is visible in overcrowded classrooms, with some schools handling class sizes of up to 67 pupils, while separate warnings have pointed to unsafe learning conditions in government-aided secondary schools.

The strain on public schools is a policy concern for Uganda's human capital outlook, as weak learning infrastructure can affect workforce development and increase pressure on household spending for private education.