Africa Region Human Development Working Paper Series Uganda Post-primary Education Sector Report Africa Region the World Bank

The views expressed within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Bank or any of its affiliated organizations. Foreword S ince the mid 1980s, Uganda has become one of Africa's success stories. Reform measures introduced by the current government have been largely implemented, and the country is on a road toward steady economic recovery. Progress is particularly prominent in the education sector, and especially in primary education. The president's decision in 1996 to eliminate primary school fees for up to four children per family removed what had been an important economic impediment for families to enroll and maintain their children at school. This decision also sent a strong signal that basic education is a high priority. By 2001, the gross enrollment ratio for primary education stood at more than 120 percent. Post-primary education, on the other hand, has received less attention. This is particularly the case for the different types of secondary education, which is the focus of this report. At about 19 percent in 2000, the gross enrollment ratio for the full six-grade cycle of general secondary education is well below the Sub-Saharan average of almost 30 percent. In addition to low coverage, access rates differ considerably by gender, parental income, and area of residence. Moreover, internal efficiency and student achievement is low. The quality and coverage of vocational and technical education and training is also low, comparatively costly, and ill adapted to labor market needs. While Uganda is right in giving top priority to achieving universal primary education, secondary education now requires urgent attention as well. The recent rapid enrollment growth in primary education is causing a sharp increase in the demand for education beyond the primary level. Furthermore, there is a wide international consensus on the critical role played by good quality secondary education in enabling countries to train the manpower required to benefit from the ICT and knowledge revolution, and to compete successfully in the new globalized, knowledge-based economy. Secondary education also yields considerable private returns, and provides opportunities to acquire attitudes, skills, and competencies that enhance the ability of young people to participate fully in society, take control of their lives, and continue learning at the post-secondary level. However, similar to other Sub-Saharan African countries, Uganda faces enormous challenges in maintaining the drive towards good quality universal primary education while, at the same time, responding to the …