Relief as Govt schools receive delayed third-term capitation grants

What the report says

Several government-aided schools in Uganda have received delayed third-term capitation grants nearly a month after reopening, according to The Independent Uganda reporting from Kampala based on accounts from headteachers who spoke to Uganda Radio Network. The late release had left schools under pressure, especially after the government banned PTA contributions, which many schools previously used to cover urgent costs.

At Buvuma College in Buvuma District, headteacher Robinah Nakakande said the school had gone without funds since the term began and was struggling to meet basic needs, including exam-related expenses. Other headteachers, including some in Kampala, said the delay made suppliers less willing to provide goods and services on credit, forcing schools to budget more cautiously and seek quicker payment arrangements.

The article says the grants were credited to school accounts at the end of last week, easing immediate strain. It also notes that schools had not received a clear explanation for the delay, and that communication about fund releases often reached local officials rather than headteachers directly. In some cases, schools said the allocation was based on physical headcounts from last year rather than current EMIS data.

The Independent also quoted Ministry of Education spokesperson Dr Denis Mugimba, who said the ministry releases capitation funds at once and that delays affecting some schools may reflect local-level issues. Capitation grants remain the main operating funding for government-aided schools under UPE and USE, covering teaching materials, administration, utilities, repairs and examination needs.