- Uganda launches a nationwide learner census to verify actual student numbers.
- The headcount aims to eliminate ghost learners in schools.
- The exercise, conducted by UBOS, will run until June 30, 2025.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has embarked on a nationwide headcount. This aims to accurately assess the number of learners in all schools and training institutions across Uganda.
Officials have defended the Shs 27 billion price tag. This is despite some public concern, especially in light of the recent national population census.
Education Census Sparks Debate Over Cost and Need
The government has initiated a comprehensive headcount of learners to clean up the education database. This will help eliminate fraudulent entries by schools. Some institutions have reportedly inflated student numbers to secure more funding from government programs. This prompted the need for accurate verification.
The headcount will span the entire country, beginning with Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. It will then expand to other regions in alignment with the school calendar. It is expected to provide critical data that will influence educational reforms and planning in Uganda for years to come.
Despite its anticipated benefits, the exercise has raised eyebrows due to its Shs 27 billion cost. Critics argue that the recently conducted national census could have been leveraged to avoid redundant spending. However, education officials maintain that the population census lacks the level of detail required to address school-specific issues.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics has emphasized that this headcount will go beyond just counting learners. It will collect information on school infrastructure, teacher deployment, and access to learning materials. This comprehensive data is essential for targeted interventions in the education sector.
While the cost of the learner census has triggered mixed reactions, the government believes it is a necessary investment. This will ensure accountability and improve education quality across Uganda.
“You cannot plan for what you do not know.” — Janet Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports
