Universal Primary Education (UPE) Capitation Grant-Planning and Implementation Guidelines for the pilot Local Governments of: Lira, Kumi, Masindi and Rakai

Abstract

1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 Primary Education is one of the key sectors identified in Governments Poverty Eradication Action Plan (1997), to benefit from the Poverty Action Fund (PAF). These PAF resources include the Universal Primary Education (UPE) capitation grant. 1.2 Following the April 2000, Education Sector Review, government took a decision to pilot the decentralisation of the planning and budgeting for UPE capitation grant for primary education in order to enhance the opportunities for improved management and delivery of services. Four pilot districts namely: Lira, Kumi, Masindi and Rakai were selected to pilot the programme starting July 2001. 1.3 The Universal Primary Education (UPE) capitation grant is aimed at: (a) improving equitable access to basic education by removing the burden of paying school fees from the parents. (b) enhancing quality of primary education by providing schools with resources necessary to run the school. 1.4 Through the grant, government pays annual tuition fees for all pupils only in government aided primary schools fixed at Ushs 5,000 per pupil for P1 - P3 and Ushs 8,100 per pupil for P4P7. A new UPE formula is to be operationalised with effect from the FY 2003/2004. 1.5 UPE capitation grant is channelled to the districts as a conditional grant. It will be utilised strictly in accordance with the Poverty Action Fund (PAF) General Guidelines for Planning and Operation for conditional grants issued by the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development.