Kampala — Under-funding and absenteeism by teachers and pupils are some of major constraints still facing the free primary and secondary education schemes, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports has revealed.

Mr Francis Lubanga said, "Absenteeism at primary level for head teachers and teachers is estimated at 27 per cent while that of the pupils is estimated to be at 30 per cent." He was presenting an annual education sector performance report at the 15th Education and Sports Sector Review workshop in Kampala on Wednesday.

The review is organised annually to track and evaluate the education sector performance as well as to generate and develop national consensus on policies, strategies and programmes set to achieve quality and efficient education services.

Mr Lubanga cited high drop-out rates, teachers shortage, slow recruitment process and ineffective school management committees as other factors frustrating free education programmes.

The Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Namirembe Bitamazire, said though the sector faces numeral setbacks, it has introduced reforms in the period under review that has enabled them to attain projected goals and objectives. "Universalising education at primary and secondary levels in this country is a key policy to accelerate economic development and social growth," she said.

Ms Bitamzire said with the Universal and compulsory seven years at primary level of education and with the launching of Use, Ugandans would now benefit from 11 years of schooling. She, however, said the sector has made some progress in pupil's enrolment at primary education.