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Agago Schools struggle as delayed UPE funds disrupt learning

15 October 2026, 4:29 pm

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Primary schools in Agengo Sub-county, Agago District, face teaching challenges due to delayed UPE funds and declining parental contributions. Schools report shortages of teaching materials, inadequate staffing and welfare difficulties, prompting calls for urgent government funding and community support to sustain education.

Primary schools in Agengo Sub-county, Agago District, are struggling to deliver education following delays in the disbursement of Universal Primary Education (UPE) funds and declining parental contributions towards school operations.

Oromakeca Simon, the LCIII Chairperson of Agengo Sub-county, said Alwee, Acuru, Agweng and Obolokome primary schools are among those facing serious challenges, including shortages of teaching materials and difficulties supporting teachers.

He revealed that teachers at Alwee and Obolokome Primary Schools have been contributing their own money to buy chalk. Simon said he and the Sub-county Chief each contributed Shs20,000 from their personal funds to help schools purchase supplies.

Oromakeca Simon explains teachers’ and leaders’ personal contributions-Luo

At Alwee Primary School, headteacher Ojok John said the financial constraints have made it difficult to conduct assessment examinations for Primary Seven candidates preparing for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

He said parents previously contributed Shs10,000 towards Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) activities, but the amount was reduced to Shs5,000, which parents have not paid. John added that he has been using his salary to provide lunch for teachers.

Ojok John explains using his salary to buy staff food-Luo

Meanwhile, Okongo David Olwoch, headteacher of Acuru Primary School, said the school has 1,253 pupils but only seven teachers, against an estimated requirement of 17.

He said PTA contributions previously supported additional staff, mock examinations and staff accommodation, adding that the current situation has increased teachers’ workload and strained school operations.

Okongo David Olwoch explains how PTA contributions support school operations-Luo

However, Agago District Secretary for Education Ayoo Susan said the process of clearing the delayed UPE funds for disbursement had been completed, and schools were expected to receive the money soon.

Susan also said more than 100 schools had submitted resolutions following meetings with parents to discuss possible voluntary contributions towards school operations. The resolutions will be forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Sports for consideration.

Ayoo Susan confirms delayed UPE funds cleared for disbursement-Luo

The Ugandan government announced a ban on mandatory Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) contributions and extra school charges in September 2026, enforced through directives pushed by officials like Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara.

As the government enforces the ban on mandatory PTA contributions and extra school charges to promote free education, school leaders in Agago District are calling for timely UPE funding to ensure schools operate effectively without placing additional financial burdens on parents.