FACTORS AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION (UPE) INUGANDA: A CASE STUDY OF KAMULI DISTRICT

Abstract

This study explores factors affecting the implementation of UPE in Uganda, a case study of Kamuli district. It focuses on four major factors namely; financial management, staffing of teachers, infrastructure/facilities and school inspection /supervision in relation to the successful implementation of UPE. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors affecting the implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda in order to improve on access, quality and equity. The objectives were: To investigate the effect of financial management on the implementation of UPE; To assess how staffing affects the implementation of UPE; To establish the extent to which infrastructure/facilities affect the implementation of UPE and; To examine the effect of school inspection/supervision on the implementation UPE. The researcher adopted a cross-sectional study design, employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. There were 240 respondents selected using both probability and non- probability sampling techniques. The study used both primary and secondary sources and data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview guides, observation checklists and documentary review. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) well as qualitative data was analysed using words to describe trends, patterns and relationships. The study found out that that there was poor planning, irregular disbursements/utilization as well as poor accountability of UPE funds. The study also found out that there was a strong relationship between staffing and the implementation of UPE. Although infrastructure/facilities are important, the study revealed a weak relationship with the implementation of UPE. It also revealed that school inspection has great influence on the implementation of UPE. It was, therefore, concluded that lack of poor financial management, inadequate staffing, lack of infrastructure and irregular school inspection/supervision affect the implementation of UPE in Uganda. The study recommends timely disbursements of UPE funds to allow for proper utilization and accountability, revision of the staff-ceiling policy based on the number of classes per school and facilitation of inspectors to ensure regular visits to schools.