Ministerial Policy Statement Financial Year 2013/2014

Abstract

During FY 2012/13, the Education and Sports Sector continued to strengthen the Sector‟s mandate which is to “to provide for, support, guide, coordinate, regulate and promote quality in delivery of Education and Sports to all persons in Uganda for national integration, individual and national development”. The Sector continued to implement the Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Post Primary Education and Training (USE/UPPET) and Universal Post “O” Level Education and Training (UPOLET) programmes respectively. In addition, the Sector is in advanced stages of introducing the Students‟ Higher Education Financing Scheme aimed at increasing equitable access to higher education in Uganda. Overall, the Sector received a budget allocation of Ushs 1,592.48bn inclusive of donor project funding for FY 2012/13 compared to Ushs 1,416.27bn in FY 2011/12. IMPROVING QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE SECTOR: Under Pre-primary and Primary sub-sector i) Continued to ensure the provision of Instructional materials and textbooks for P.2 and P.4 achieving a PBR of 9:1; 400,000 copies of assorted instructional materials including local language books were procured to attain the ratio of 5:1. In addition, procured 325,000 copies of teachers‟ guides and signed contracts for supply of textbooks for P.5, P.6 and P.7. ii) Trained 410 ECD Care givers and monitored 560 ECD centres across the country; iii) Supported war affected children in Northern Uganda at Laroo Primary School; iv) Supported Districts and Municipalities in recruitment of 6,254 primary teachers; v) A total of 134 District and Municipal Education Officers were supported to monitor education activities in their Districts and Municipalities respectively; vi) Organized the National Music Dance and Drama festivals for Nursery and Primary schools; vii) Recommended 250 community primary schools for coding/government grant aiding; viii) Procured 45,800 copies of the Education (Pre-primary, Primary and Post-primary) Act, 2008 for distribution to Primary schools and School Management Committees; ix) Licensed 287 and registered 131 private primary schools; x) Xi) Held 18 District dialogues (Education For All) in 18 Districts. Monitored UPE activities in 60 Districts and 20 Primary schools in Nwoya District focusing on girls‟ education, sanitation and hygiene; xii) Under World Food Programme project, provided 494 fruit seedlings and 3,217 shade tree seedlings for each of the 2 schools selected in Abim, Kotido, Moroto, Kaabong, Napak, Amudat & Nakapiripirit Districts. A total of 21 acres were cleared for planting shade tree seedling in each of the 2 selected schools in Kotido, Abim, Kaabong, Amudat, Nakapiripirit and Napak; 3 schools from each of the 7 Districts was supported with farm tools; xiii) Under Emergency Construction project, beneficiary schools were constructed/renovated. A total of 101 classrooms and 9,715 pieces of furniture were provided, including the construction of 1,529 V.I.P latrines in beneficiary schools. Achievements under secondary education sub-sector: i) Facilitated 5 SESEMAT national trainers to attend SMASE – WECS working session; oriented 133 bursars in secondary schools on the operational arrangement of the SESEMAT programme and conducted In-service training for 5,663 science and mathematics teachers. Ii) Conducted capacity building programmes for 239 head teachers and 61 deputies on internal efficiency measures being adopted in secondary education service delivery. Similarly, under the Cyber School Programme, 50 secondary schools received 4 additional computers each; 447 teachers and 3,416 students were trained under the Enhanced Digital Science Initiative. Iii) Facilitated the 11th edition of the secondary schools East African Games held in Bujumbura – Burundi. Iv) Coded 28 new secondary schools. V) Offered administrative support and monitoring of 348 private secondary schools. Vi) A total of 498 government secondary schools and 120 private secondary schools applying for USE and PPP arrangement were supported. Vii) Under development of Secondary project, provided 9 secondary schools with funds to procure computers and set up functional ICT laboratories at Lango College – Lira; Entebbe SS – Kampala; St Denis SS Gaba – Kampala; St Mary‟s College Rushoroza – Kabale; Bishop Comboni College – Kanungu; St Kizito SS Katikamu – Luwero; Kilembe Secondary School – Kasese; Nyamiyaga SS – Kanungu; Kirima Community - Kanungu and Busiiro SS – Iganga. With support from UCC, 826 secondary schools have been provided with computers. Viii) Under the IDA project, 1,559 USE schools and 5 National Teachers‟ Colleges were provided with 2,255,020 course books and 71,306 teacher‟s guide. Under the same project 700 members of the School Construction Management, Procurement, and Contracts Committees from 100 secondary schools under phase three were trained. The project further facilitated the printing of 4,000 copies of school- based procurement and implementation manuals for civil works for 759 secondary schools. Ix) Under IDA civil works have continued at 442 secondary schools in phase II and an additional 65 secondary schools in phase I. In addition 507 sites with civil works still ongoing were monitored. X) The delivery of water tanks to improve on school sanitation and hygiene has commenced and still on going for 759 secondary schools. 250 secondary schools have been installed with solar power and in 310 secondary schools solar installations are ongoing under the World Bank Supported ERT project. Xi) Under ADB Education IV project; civil works were completed at 11 sites out of the 27 sites at, Wakyato Seed SS – Nakaseke; Atutur Seed SS – Kumi; Bukanga Seed SS – Luuka; Busaba Seed SS – Butaleja; Kabei Seed SS – Bukwo; Bugunzu Seed SS – Sironko; Buwesswa Seed SS – Manafwa; Ojetenyang Seed SS – Serere; Kalongo Seed SS – Nakasongola; Koome Seed SS – Mukono and Naguru Seed SS – Wakiso. Civil works are still on-going at the remaining 4 sites – Bumayoka Seed SS – Bududa; Kalisizo Seed SS - Rakai; Mella Seed SS – Tororo; Bulamu Seed SS – Mpigi; Purongo Seed SS – Nwoya; Ogoko Seed SS – Arua; Apo Seed SS – Yumbe; Patongo Seed SS – Agago; Ayer Seed SS – Kole; Buhanika Seed SS – Hoima; Kanara Seed SS – Ntoroko; and Bubandi Seed SS – Bundibugyo. Xii) The Sector is in the process of re-tendering the remaining three (3) seed secondary schools after the contract was terminated. These are; Katunguru Seed SS – Rubirizi, Kamwenge College Seed SS – Kamwenge and Bufunjo Seed SS – Kyenjojo. Xiii) Civil works are in progress for the expansion and rehabilitation of centers of excellence at 30 secondary schools and 1 BTVET institution while the procurement process for the remaining 12 secondary schools and 1 BTVET institution has been finalized. 28 centers of excellence received tractors with a plough; a trailer and a slasher. Special Needs Education and Guidance & Counseling achieved the following; i) Ii) Paid subvention grant to 2,300 learners in 150 schools. Provided specialized support supervision to 28 Special Needs primary schools/ units in 15 Districts and 3 secondary schools. Iii) Conducted one training programme for NFE teachers in each of the 6 CPTCs and one department staff training in Sign Language skills. Iv) Monitored the training of 1,500 NFE teachers in 6 CPTCs of Nakaseke, Kibuli, Moroto, Arua, Busubizi and Bulera. V) Facilitated placement and admission of P.7 leavers in S.1 including year- one in BTVET institutions, S.4 leavers in S.5, PTCs and Technical Colleges. Vi) Printed 12,000 copies of the Guidance & Counseling Journals; 7,500 copies of Wall Charts; 6,000 copies of Information Guides for S.4 leavers, 50,000 copies of Information Guides for P.7 leavers; 10,000 information brochures on UVQF and 2,500 BTVET Career Guidance Handbooks; vii) Conducted careers talks in 203 schools in selected districts; trained 576 head teachers, deputies and schools Nurses in guidance and counseling skills from 72 ADB IV beneficiary schools in the 4 traditional regions. Higher Education Vote Function performed as follows: i) Supported the process of establishing Constituent Colleges of Public Universities; remitted funds to UPIK for recurrent expenses, as well as, funds for renovation of old dilapidated infrastructure and for construction works at the prefabricated UPIK campus. Ii) Paid top up allowances to students on scholarship abroad and funded research at Public Universities; sponsored PhD and Masters Students; continued to support Higher Education Students‟ Loan Scheme Secretariat operations. Iii) Provided funds to AICAD Secretariat, National Council for Higher Education for accreditation of programmes and higher education institutions were inspected licensed and accredited courses. Iv) Under support to Public and Private Universities, the Vote Function remitted funds to Muni University for infrastructure development and recurrent expenses; supported science students from Kisubi Brothers University; v) A task force for Soroti University was put in place to spearhead the establishment and launch of the University as a project; vi) Managed District Quota admissions and monitored Higher Education Institutions; vii) Facilitated Higher Education Students Financing Scheme activities as such, Higher Education Students Financing Bill 2013 was submitted to Cabinet for approval before tabling it to Parliament for debate and enactment into law. Under skills development, the Sector: i) Paid Capitation Grants for 8,800 students in 53 Government institutions, 1,750 students in 5 UTCs, 1,750 students in 5 UCCs. Ii) Iii) Disbursed funds to Examination Boards (UBTEB, UNMEB and UAHEB) to facilitate their operations. Established an interim skilling Uganda reform taskforce to spearhead integration of requisite reforms in the BTVET subsector; iv) Disbursed subvention funds for 1,896 students in 09 Departmental Training Institutions; v) Disbursed funds to Mulago Paramedical and Lira School of Nursing to complete construction of facilities; vi) Under Development of BTVET project, disbursed funds for construction of a twin- workshop in Ahmed Seguya Memorial Technical Institute (IT) and a double-storey library block in Pakwach UCC was completed and furnished. In addition, civil works in Buseesa TI, Kaabong TI, Amuria TI, Hoima, TI Kamuli TI, Lwengo TI, Mikonos TI, Nakasongola TI, Namutumba TI, Pader TI, Yumbe TI, Unyama NTC, and UTC Elgon & UTC Lira reached design level by end of Financial year. Vii) Under development of TVET P.7 graduates, procured assorted learning tools and equipment for constructed workshops and classrooms at St. Josephs Kyarubingo, Kakiika TS, Namisindwa TS, Mbale CP, Nagwere TS, Bukooli TS, Omugo TS, Kumi TS, Olio TS, Pacer CP, Masulita VTC, Rwiziringiriro TS, Ngugo TS, Katakwi TS, Dokolo TS, Mubende CP, Kadogo CP, Kihanda TS, Namasale TS and Kitagata FS. For courses like BCP, CJ, Motor Vehicles, TC, Business and agriculture. Under quality and standards sub-Sector i) ii) National Curriculum Development Center retooled 127 pilot teachers in P.5 Kiswahili syllabus; Established 3 Area Language Boards for Samia Lugwe, Lusoga and Dhopadhola in 10 Districts of Eastern Uganda; iii) Completed A-level syllabus for ICT and Subsidiary Mathematics ready for distribution to schools; iv) Directorate of Education Standards continued with strengthening inspection activities in schools to improve quality of education in 1,638 secondary schools, 320 BTVET institutions, 45 PTCs and 94 ECD teacher training institutions. In addition, 23 schools were inspected for licensing and registration; v) Developed MLA testing items and translated P.2 literacy test into 27 local languages; vi) Trained 54 Trainers of Trainers and 280 officers both at central and Local Government level; vii) Monitored 112 Districts and 13 Municipalities on compliancy with inspection guidelines; viii) Signed contracts for the 4 PTCs of Kiyoora, Nkokonjeru, Bwera and Kamurasi and kick started civil works at Butiti PTC; Physical Education and Sports achieved the following: i) ii) Conducted training for 425 primary school teachers on Kids Athletics; Conducted Games for 2013 Edition of Primary and Secondary School Ball Games 1, Mbarara High School and Kids Athletics National Championship in Mukono; iii) Provided financial support to UAF and FUFA under the Presidential Pledge; iv) Made part payment of UGX. 175,575,070 to M/S ID Forum for inception report of 3 regional stadia (Lot1); UGX. 209,980,980 to M/S Habitat Consultants for inception report of 3 regional stadia (Lot 2); v) Paid UGX. 165,000,000 to M/S ID Forum for inception report of designing NHATC; vi) Transferred UGX. 100,000,000 to Kapchworwa DLG for the compensation of squatters at NHATC; vii) Signed contract for constructing Teryet P/S; viii) Transferred UGX. 160,000,000 to MoWE for water development at NHATC. Under Policy, planning and support services, the following were achieved: i) ii) iii) Monitored budget execution in tertiary institutions and some Local Governments; Prepared ESSAPR and Aide Memoire for FY 2011/12; Successfully organized the ESSR workshop from 24th -25th October 2012; iv) Prepared and submitted the Budget Framework Paper FY 2013/14; v) Conducted policy tracking and analysis of implementation of policies and policy guidelines in sampled Local Governments; vi) Prepared and submitted the Ministerial Policy Statement FY 2013/14; vii) Submitted several Cabinet Memoranda for approval by Cabinet; viii) Conducted a study on the implementation of the ECD policy in Uganda and disseminated the findings to stakeholders, carried out the End of Decade EFA Assessment; ix) Diagnostic study on teacher issues under TTISSA (Teaching Training Initiative for Sub Saharan Africa) was carried out; x) Conducted a study on the Management of Energy Resources in Education Institutions; xi) Developed Human Rights Garden at the UNATCOM peace centre. During FY 2013/14, the Sector plans to continue executing its mandate and functions in line with the Sector policy priorities of increasing access, quality and relevancy, effectiveness and efficiency in delivery of education services at all levels. Under Pre-Primary and Primary Sub-sector, the sector plans to: i) ii) Monitor and provide support supervision for UPE and ECD in 40 Districts; Monitor the status of Private Primary Schools in 12 Districts and carry out assessment of community schools seeking grant aiding and coding; iii) Assess the status of school sanitation and hygiene in 20 Districts; iv) Facilitate 516,068 pupils to register and sit PLE examinations; v) Facilitate the recruitment of Primary school teachers in 120 Districts and Municipalities; vi) Retrain teachers of P.1 to P.3 in modern skills of teaching reading and provide literacy materials for pupils and teachers‟ guides in Local Language and English; vii) Procure 615,381 copies of P5-P7 Instructional Materials (Local Language books) at a Pupil Book Ratio of 4:1 for selected Government-aided primary schools in Uganda, 734,759 copies of P5-P7 Wall Charts, pupils' textbooks and accompanying teachers' Guides at a ratio of 3:1 for 14,000 Government -aided primary schools; viii) Under World Food Program project, continue to ensure food sufficiency in beneficiary schools and Districts through distribution of early-maturing vegetable seeds; 24,500 fruit & shade tree seedlings; 1600kgs assorted Gobe, seeds and 80kgs assorted vegetable seeds; ix) Disburse funds to17 primary schools to renovate and construct dilapidated school learning facilities under emergency construction project Secondary Education sub-sector plan to: i) Under Private Schools Department, monitor and provide support supervision to 180 non- Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools, 240 private secondary schools under PPP and 180 UPOLET private schools. Ii) Hold a regional workshop for proprietors and head teachers of secondary schools in Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA); iii) Produce guidelines and print 4,000 copies of guidelines for licensing and registration; 4,000 copies of guidelines for recruiting and retention of teachers in private schools; 1,000 copies of guidelines for implementing USE and UPOLET in private schools; iv) Review the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Hand Books and guidelines for USE/UPOLET (Government) schools; v) Facilitate the 2nd phase of the Digital Science Project in 50 secondary schools and create 4 regional ICT centers of excellence and continue to engage UCC and other stakeholders for the provision of ICT facilities and equipment. Vi) Provide text books for science and mathematics for UPOLET government and PPP schools. Vii) Under SESEMAT arrangement, train 3,800 science teachers (2,000 Government and 1,800 Public Private Partnership) viii) Conduct induction training for 300 newly appointed Board of Governors; ix) Complete administration blocks for 25 seed secondary schools x) Continue executing civil works for the remaining seed secondary schools and the 42 secondary schools under ADB Education IV project. Xi) Under support to USE (IDA) the Sub-sector will continue to fast track the completion of facilities in Phase I and phase II; provide metallic cupboards for the storage of text books; provide additional text books; continue with the delivery and supply of water tanks and installation of solar power targeting schools that are off the UMEME grid. Special Needs Guidance and Counseling vote function, the Sector plans to: i) Train 1,500 NFE teachers in 6 CPTCs and orient NFE Teacher Trainers (CCTs) on the utilization of Year one (1) and two (2) Training Manuals; ii) Procure instructional and assistive devices (e.g. hearing aids, Braille and assorted equipment); iii) Reformat the Non Formal Education (NFE) Teacher Training Curriculum; iv) Re-train 60 SNE Teachers in specific areas of SNE, print 1,000 copies of the SNE and NFE policies respectively as well developing guidelines for operationalisation of SNE and NFE policies. V) Carry out and monitor Functional Assessment; vi) Carry out school-based field visits covering 320 schools to offer support supervision and guidance to teachers and other stakeholders; vii) Print Guidance and Counseling materials, BTVET Career Books, G&C Journals, G&C Wall Charts, information guides for P.7 and the G&C Policy; viii) Conduct the national placement exercise for about 500,000 P.7 leavers and 200,000 S.4 leavers; ix) Conduct an annual conference on Guidance and Counseling. Under Skills Development, the Sector plans to: i) Pay Capitation Grants for students in government aided BTVET institutions including students in UTCs, UCCs, NVTI, NMTC, ISLM and Nsamizi Social Development Institute. Ii) Under development of BTVET project, disburse funds to beneficiary institutions for new construction of learning facilities (a library-UCC Aduku, UTC Bushenyi and Lake Katwe; and workshop-Busesa TS ); iii) Complete on-going construction (fencing at UTC Kichwamba and Lake Katwe TI, Administration Block at Kaliro TI, classroom at Kabongo, Busesa and Rugando Tis. Iv) Under Development of TVET P.7 graduate project, disburse funds to beneficiary institutions to procure assorted learning tools and equipment for St. Josephs Kyarubingo, Kakiika TS, Namisinndwa TS, Bukooli TS, Olio TS, Omugo TS, Namasale TS, Masulita VTC, Mubende CP, Gombe CP and Hakitengya CP. V) Under OPEC, IDB, SAUDI, BADEA and Kuwait projects, non residential facilities for Technical Institutes will be constructed in the following Districts: Amuria, Hoima, Kamuli, Namutumba, Masaka Lwengo, Mukono and Pader. While rehabilitation of non residential facilities will be carried out at Unyama NTC, Elgon UTC, Lira UTC among others. Vi) In addition, the Sector will enhance skills of Technical Teachers, Tutors/lecturers and review of curricula for Technical Institutes and Colleges to suit the BTVET enhanced system. Vii) Disburse funds to Examination Boards (UBTEB, UAHEB and UNMEB) for effective executions of their operations as mandated by the BTVET Act, 2008. Under Policy Planning and Support services, the Sector plans to: i) Prepare and submit Budget Framework Paper for FY 2014/15, budget estimates for FY 2014/15, Ministerial Policy Statement for FY 2014/15; ii) Monitor budget execution in sampled education institutions and Local Governments. Iii) Track and analyze implementation of policies and policy guidelines in sampled education institutions and Local Governments, as well as, developing a Policy Impact Assessment Tool (PIAT); iv) Strengthen internal control measures in education institutions through internal audit function; v) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of education programmes at national and Local Government levels; vi) Prepare ESSAPR for FY2014/15 and quarterly progress reports; vii) Hold ESSR and Budget Workshops to review and assess the Sector‟s performance in line with its Sector policy thrust/priorities; viii) UNESCO to conduct two trainings on the use of the ECD learning framework and awareness raising about the ECD policy in two (2) sub regions of eastern Uganda; Improving Quality and Standards at all level, the Sector plans to: i) Monitor and offer support supervision to 52 TIET Institutions, facilitate 3,751 students for teaching practice examinations for NTCs; ii) Pay Capitation Grants for 3,751 students in NTCs, 175 students in Abilonino CPIC, and 120 students in Health Tutors College and 16,239 PTC students; iii) Complete on-going construction works at Shimoni Demonstration School; complete on-going construction works at Nkokonjeru, Bwera, Kamurasi, Butiiti, Kiyoora and Kisoro PTCs and remapping of all PTCs; iv) Commence construction works at Bundibugyo, Canon Lawarence, Rukingiri, Paidha, Kapchorwa, Buhungiro, Ibanda, Bukedea, Arua PTCs and rehabilitate Busubizi PTC; equip TIET institutions with furniture under the Development of PTC Project; v) Conduct CTEP for TIET institutions with support from IDB; finalize CTEP for ECD Caregivers; train Tutors in BRMS and complete training of ECD Caregivers in Certificate Community Child-care under UNICEF supported Districts; vi) Continue filling vacant posts in TIET institutions; vii) Provide new PTE curriculum support materials; viii) Ensure adherence to education standards, inspect 1,900 secondary schools, 500 BTVET Institutions, 5 NTCs, and 20 PTCs; ix) Monitor inspection activities of 112 Local Governments and carry out capacity building for 340 Local, Central Government, Inspectors and District Education Officers; x) Train 200 head teachers on School Improvement Guides and monitoring of learning achievements in 7,000 schools; Physical Education and Sports, the Sector plans to: i) Complete designs for NHATC Sports facilities at Teryet and 6 regional stadia (Gulu, Mbale, Jinja, Mbarara, Masaka and Kabale); ii) Complete construction works at Teryet Primary School; iii) Hold stakeholder consultative meetings for commencement of construction of Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium Project; iv) Conduct educational institutions (Tertiary, Secondary and Primary schools) Sports Championships ((Football, Athletics Schools Kids‟ Athletics, Ball Games and SNE Championship). Under Higher Education, the sector plans to: i) ii) iii) Pay top- up- allowances to students on scholarship abroad; Fund research at Public Universities; Continue to facilitate Higher Education Students‟ Financing Scheme activities; iv) Support Public and Private Universities; v) Provide funds to support both UPIK recurrent and development operations; vi) Through NCHE, continue accrediting all old and new programmes in all Universities and tertiary institutions alongside the facilities to offer those programmes to ensure a match between programmes and facilities; vii) Prepare the State of Higher Education Report; viii) Monitor Universities and Tertiary Institutions with provisional licenses to ensure adherence to delivery of quality education; ix) Engage experts in several disciplines to develop minimum standards for NCHE; x) Support to AICAD, IUCEA Secretariats; xi) Organize JAB Admissions and monitor JAB in-take capacities, participate in PUJAB admission and monitor and review District Quota activities of admissions. Xii) With support to Higher Education, Science and Technology ADB funded project, will supply and install equipment for ICT infrastructure in Public Universities; establish and equip incubation/ production centres at all 6 Public Universities; construct and rehabilitate facilities at Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Gulu University, Busitema University, Muni University and Makerere University Business School; complete construction works of learning facilities and office complex at Uganda Management Institute; CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES Gender & Equity: The Gender Unit of the Ministry of Education and Sports has provided the Sector with technical expertise in the following: i) Conducted a Rapid Gender Assessment as an entry point to engage sub-sectors in mainstreaming gender in all sub-sector programmes; ii) FY 2012/13 conducted a Participatory Gender Audit (PGA) and disseminated the report to the sector to feed into the Gender in Education Strategic Plan for effective gender mainstreaming. HIV/AIDS: i) Developed the Education and Sports Sector HIV&AIDS prevention strategic plan (2011-2015) to guide implementation of HIV&AIDS interventions in the Sector; developed HIV&AIDS indicators reference guide to help capture HIV&AIDS related data and information for planning purposes; ii) Trained and conducted capacity building of 150 Pre-Primary and Lower Primary school teachers in psycho-social support for HIV & AIDS infected and affected children; iii) Coordinated two studies on the drivers of HIV&AIDS epidemic and the existence and functionality of school health programs and clubs; iv) Mapped out HIV&AIDS implementers in the Sector which led to development of a Directory, awaiting printing and dissemination. Environment Education: National Forestry Authority together with the Ministry has developed guidelines for tree planting and greening secondary schools. The Ministry wishes to prepare a paper on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), to guide the development of ESD policy, establishment of ESD Secretariat at MoES and ESD national coordination mechanisms. PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES: Mbarara University of Science and Technology i) Offered quality and relevant education and training to 3,285 students in Health, Science, Education, ICT, Management and Development Sciences at Diploma and Degree levels with a bias in community outreach; ii) Procured teaching and examination materials for 3,285 students, support research and students‟ welfare and other recurrent activities; iii) Under development expenditure, continued construction works of Faculty of Applied Science building, Faculty building, paid consultancy for library at Kihumuro, renovated halls of residence and procured assorted laboratory and office equipment. Makerere University i) ii) Offered quality and relevant education and training to students; Supported research and innovations under Presidential Initiative for Science and Technology development in irrigation and improvement of farming to communities, solar technologies, vehicle design project e.g. prototype Kiira EV, food processing and value addition, skills for production, employment and development in the animal resources industry; iii) Under infrastructure development, with support from development partners and Presidential initiative, the following facilities were improved: telecommunications laboratory, environmental engineering laboratory, mechanical laboratory, architecture studios, re-equipping computer laboratories, solar laboratory and central diagnostic laboratory; Gulu University i) Offered quality and relevant education and training to students; conducted community sensitization and awareness workshops in respect of community outreach services; ii) Made part payment for 513 acres of land for the University at Latoro parish, Purongo sub-county; commenced the processing of land title for 100 acres of land at Latoro; iii) Constructed a Bio-systems Engineering workshop, commenced construction of a Business Center in Faculty of Business and Development Studies, graded 1 km of road at the main campus. Kyambogo University i) ii) Offered quality and relevant education and training to students; Implemented a computerized information management system (the e-kampus project) and produced modules which are currently in use by different departments. It has also enhanced use of ICT at the University as admissions are now done online; iii) Established a reliable and computerized students‟ data bank with the support of e-kampus project; Installed a computerized accounting software for Navision Dynamics which will be linked to the e-kampus when its fully operational for effective integration of financial management system with other management information systems of the University; iv) Held the 9th graduation ceremony in December 2012 for a total of 6,936 out of which 75 students were awarded post graduate degrees and diplomas; v) Sponsored a total of 85 staff under the University staff development scheme out of which 5 students graduated with PhDs and 2 with Masters Degrees while 19 staff were sponsored for short skills development courses; vi) In regard to infrastructure development, carried out partial fencing of the University (phase 1 of 2 kms), renovated Mackay house and nurses house, Council Hall, steam laboratory for department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, overhauled 200 students toilets and completed University Master Plan; PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES: PLANNED OUTPUTS 2013/14 AND IN THE MEDIUM TERM 1. i) Mbarara University of Science and Technology plans to continue to: Offer quality and relevant education and training to 3,158 students in Health, Science, Education, ICT, Management and Development Sciences at Diploma and Degree levels and facilitate community placement for medical students, school practice for science education students and Industrial Training for students in other courses; ii) iii) iv) v) Hold quality assurance and curriculum review meetings/workshops; Conduct graduation for 1,285 students; Procure assorted laboratory and office equipment, computers and other related accessories; Under infrastructure development, civil works at Faculty of Applied Science (Kihumuro), pay for consultancies for architectural designs for Institute of Computer Science, roads at Kihumuro, renovate 2 students‟ hostel blocks at Rugazi Health Centre, landscaping and construct parking facilities at Kihumuro. 2. Makerere University plans to: i) Continue to offer quality and relevant education and training to students; ii) Support research and innovations under Presidential Initiative for Science and Technology development (irrigation) and improvement of farming for communities, solar technologies, vehicle design project for example, prototype Kiira EV, food processing and value addition, skills for production, employment and development in the animal resources industry. Iii) Under infrastructure development with support from development partners and Presidential Initiative, improve the following: technology innovations, food technology and business incubation centres, skills for development production and employment (SPEDA) and centre for research in transport technologies. 3. Gulu University plans to: i) Offer quality and relevant education and training to students; ii) Conduct community sensitization and awareness workshops in respect of community outreach services; iii) Continue with the process of acquiring land for the University at Latoro parish, Purongo sub-county; iv) Continue construction works of a Bio-systems Engineering workshop; equip science laboratories; install management information system, continue construction works of a Business Center in Faculty of Business and Development Studies; construct and repair 0.5 km of walkways and building pavers at the main campus; 4. Kyambogo University plans to: i) ii) Continue offering quality and relevant education and training to students; Recruit at least one staff in each of the proposed Directorates of ICT and Quality Assurance; annual salary notch increments and staff promotions; iii) Hold the 10th graduation ceremony in December 2013; iv) Continue implementing on-going projects and other new development projects; KEY CHALLENGES FACED BY THE SECTOR DURING FY 2012/13 Pre-Primary and Primary Vote Function i. Wide inequality in ECD provison: ECD centers are concentrated in urban centers as opposed to rural areas; ii. Persistent pupil and teacher/head teacher absenteeism; iii. Limited community participation in Universal Primary Education due to the misconception by the community that UPE is a government programme; iv. Persistent dropout of school children especially the girl child; v. Vi. Attrition rates of school teachers which stand at 4% p.a on average. Persistent regional disparities in regard to access, equity, quality and retention of school children Measures to address the challenges i. Training of more ECD Care givers across the country is on-going. Plans are under way to deliver certificate of proficiency in ECD. In the medium term, an ECD Teacher Training Framework is to be implemented. Ii. Signing of Performance Contracts is being enforced by Ministry of Public Service for Head teachers and Deputies. In consultation with stakeholders, the Sector has developed School Feeding Guidelines. Iii. Iv. Teachers‟ houses are being constructed in a phased manner. The Sector is continuing with the rehabilitation and construction of classrooms across the country. A total of 45,800 copies of The Education ACT (2008) were printed for sensitizing the community about their roles and responsibility in the education of their children. Secondary Education Vote Function i. ii. Scarcity of Science Teachers in the country especially in rural schools; Inadequate Science equipment, chemicals and other reagents. School facilities including Laboratories have been constructed without corresponding resources to equip them; iii. Less than 30% of government aided Secondary Schools have qualified Laboratory Assistants on government pay roll. Measures to address the challenges i. The Sector has continued to conduct selective recruitment by giving priority to the recruitment of science and mathematics teachers; ii. Provision of inputs for teaching science related subjects are ongoing. A total of 5,113 science kits and 2,000,594 textbooks have been provided to UPOLET schools. The provision of similar kits for USE schools is ongoing. Special Needs Education Guidance and Counseling Inadequate specialized instructional materials for learners in both primary and secondary schools. Measure to address the challenge Plans are under way to procure the materials in a phased manner. Skills Development Vote Function i. Inadequate equipment, coupled with inexperienced teachers negatively affects the quality of trainees and limits their employability. Ii. Negative social perception and stigma. The community considers vocational education as fit only for the academically less endowed; iii. Weak linkages between the Public and Private Sector providers of Skills Development. Iv. Examination Bodies are faced with a challenge insufficient funding that has not enabled them carry out their intended activities. Measure to address the challenges i. With assistance from Education Development Partners, new BTVET institutions are being constructed, rehabilitated and equipped under the Saudi Fund, Islamic Development Bank and OPEC projects; ii. iii. Sensitizing the community on the BTVET ACT (2008) is on-going; Curricular for five Technical Institutions have been developed and 30 Instructors Trained. A total of 86 Assessment Training Packages (ATPs) have been developed by DIT for Public and Private Institutions; iv. A total of 50 UGAPRIVI institutions have been trained (private sector). Plans are under way to train more Assessors to acquire new competences in Modular Assessment. CHALLENGES FACED BY PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES General challenges Staff attrition and retention: particularly at higher levels of Senior Lecturers, Associate Professors and Professors. Regional (Kenya and Tanzania) and national salary comparisons continue to drain the staff capacity. The need for salary enhancement and the increase in establishment to at least 50% remains a big challenge. The persistent low staffing levels at public Universities has considerably affected the provision of quality education at that level. The current staffing levels for public universities stand at: 35.6% for Mbarara University of Science and Technology; Gulu University 43%; and Makerere University 47%; Makerere University The University contributes 42% towards the wage bill, this: i. Draws resources for other university activities; ii. iii. It translates into less enhancement for staff compared to the national average; Affects the social security contributions drawn from NTR. Due to the increased prices in food items, the current provision of Ushs. 2,000 per day per student is inadequate to meet feeding and accommodation requirements for government supported students; Inadequate release for the 4th quarter stifled the operations of the University. Total shortfall was UGX 5.2bn of which development was 4.5bn and non-wage 0.7bn. Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) The funding for students‟ feeding, accommodation and general welfare has remained inadequate over the years due to the constant non-wage recurrent budget ranging between 2.0-2.9bn for the last five years. Food prices and the cost of living have continued to increase. The funds released for students feeding is UGX. 140m annually instead of 250m, resulting into a deficit of UGX. 110m. The MUST- GoU development funding in FY 2012/2013 was UGX 3.799bn which is inadequate for the development of Kihumuro campus which is under construction. The construction of the campus is planned to spine over a period of 10 years at a cost of UGX 8.2bn per annum, thus an additional UGX. 4.401bn is required. Gulu University Because of low level of salary paid to Gulu University staff, attrition is a common occurrence; Inadequate funds to operationalize Lira Constituent College; Inadequate resources to recruit staff for the last two financial years. The staffing level is at 43%. Kyambogo University The greatest underfunding is experienced in Capital Development grants. Whereas the national average capital development grant for FY 2012/2013 was UGX 7.7bn per Public University, Kyambogo University was allocated a meager UGX 422m, yet the University is the neediest in terms of teaching and learning infrastructure with the on-campus student enrolment to the tune of 25,000. The pressure exerted by student population cannot be overestimated. The University has serious infrastructural challenges which are responsible for most of the agitations and strikes. The University has over 80 asbestos roofed structures which are condemned and hazardous to staff and students. The re-roofing for the structures is estimated at UGX. 16.5bn for FY 2013/14. The University is given the lowest grant per student of UGX 7.1m compared to the University national average grant per student of UGX 14.4m while the highest University receives a unit grant per student of up to 21.7m. This has greatly affected the welfare of government sponsored students at the University compared to other Public Universities creating room for agitations from students. Unless government makes concerted efforts to balance the financing of institutions of higher learning, some Public Universities like Kyambogo will eventually collapse. Madam Speaker, I appeal to the Honorable Members of Parliament to support and approve the proposed budget for the Education and Sports Sector for FY 2013/14