This initiative, set to commence in the 2026/2027 financial year, aims to improve child welfare and increase school attendance by addressing the persistent challenge of hunger among learners.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has announced a plan to introduce a lunch program for learners in all Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools across Uganda.
This initiative, set to commence in the 2026/2027 financial year, aims to improve child welfare and increase school attendance by addressing the persistent challenge of hunger among learners.
Education Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni revealed the program during the ministry's manifesto progress presentation, stressing that feeding learners is a cornerstone of the government's efforts to enhance education under the 2021-2026 NRM manifesto.
The initiative is particularly significant for rural areas, where many parents struggle to provide meals for their children.
By ensuring that no child is left hungry while pursuing an education, the program is expected to significantly reduce school dropouts and create a conducive learning environment.
The minister reiterated the government's determination to make Universal Primary and Secondary Education compulsory, holding parents accountable for ensuring their children attend school.
She highlighted several achievements in the education sector since 2021, including the construction of new schools, the recruitment of additional teachers, and a marked reduction in teacher absenteeism through rigorous monitoring.
Efforts to improve education quality have also been bolstered by a government investment of Shs 37.51 billion in inspecting schools and post-primary institutions.
By the 2021/2022 financial year, the ministry had achieved the internationally recommended inspector-to-school ratio of 40:1, thanks to the recruitment of 448 additional inspectors in local governments.
The Ministry of Education reports that 90% of the targets set under the 2021-2026 manifesto have already been met.
The remaining focus includes enhancing early childhood education, equipping learners with practical skills, and actively involving parents in their children's education.
Mrs Museveni emphasized the importance of engaging parents as key stakeholders in improving learning outcomes, a sentiment echoed by the Director of Manifesto Implementation, Willis Bashasha.
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He noted that parental involvement is essential to ensuring that children fully benefit from government programs aimed at creating a brighter future for Uganda's learners.
The introduction of a nationwide lunch program marks a significant step in the government's commitment to addressing systemic challenges in education.
It is expected to transform the learning experience for thousands of children and pave the way for a more equitable and effective education system in Uganda.
