Government targets poorly performing schools with science kits

What the report says

The Ministry of Education and Sports is distributing 733 science kits to 42 local governments in Uganda, with a focus on schools that have weaker exam performance and limited access to teaching materials. According to Nile Post, the programme is intended to strengthen practical science lessons, especially in disadvantaged and rural communities where schools may struggle to obtain extra resources.

Dr Cleophus Mugenyi, the ministry’s acting chief education officer for education administration and training, said the allocation considers Primary Leaving Examination results. He said some kits are being directed to both the best- and worst-performing schools in selected areas, as part of an effort to reduce gaps in learning outcomes and improve science education across different settings.

Mugenyi also said better teacher specialisation under the National Teacher Policy is important, arguing that generalist teaching has affected science instruction over time. The ministry and supporting education officials said that practical materials alone are not enough without teacher training, willingness to use new methods, and ongoing technical support.

The report said district-level shortages remain a concern. In Wakiso, for example, officials said only 40 of 167 public primary schools have received kits so far, while teacher gaps also continue to affect delivery. Nile Post’s report presents the distribution as part of a wider government push to improve creativity, critical thinking and hands-on science learning in primary schools.