Uganda Faces Education and Sports Funding Cuts, Raising Concerns Over Key Programs
KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports is bracing for significant budget reductions in the upcoming 2026/2027 fiscal year, potentially jeopardizing crucial initiatives including teacher salary enhancements and preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The cuts, revealed during a presentation to the Education Committee on Tuesday, stem from a combination of declining external aid and reduced domestic funding.
State Minister for Education and Sports (Sports) Peter Ogwang announced an indicative budget allocation of approximately 9.6 trillion Ugandan Shillings (roughly $2.4 billion USD) for the Human Capital Development Programme, a decrease from the current year’s 11.5 trillion Shillings ($2.9 billion USD). This represents a reduction of approximately 1.9 trillion Shillings ($480 million USD).
“The primary drivers of this reduction are a projected drop in external financing – around 1.7 trillion Shillings ($430 million USD) – and a decrease in domestic funding of 191 billion Shillings ($48 million USD),” Ogwang explained. The Education and Sports Sub-Programme itself faces a cut of 209 billion Shillings ($53 million USD), bringing its indicative budget to 5.35 trillion Shillings ($1.35 billion USD).
Ministry officials estimate an additional 1.9 trillion Shillings ($480 million USD) is needed to fully meet the objectives outlined in the National Development Plan IV and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto. The Ministry’s overall projected budget for 2026/2027 stands at 801 billion Shillings ($202 million USD), down 28 billion Shillings ($7 million USD) from the current budget.
The proposed cuts raise serious concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on key commitments. Ogwang specifically highlighted that the current budget does not allocate funds for teacher salary increases, AFCON preparations, or the expansion of free and compulsory Universal Primary Education.
Permanent Secretary Kedrace Turyagyenda warned the committee that these funding constraints could undermine progress made in access, quality, equity, and skills development. “Without addressing these gaps, gains in access, quality, equity, and skills development will be difficult to sustain, and the national human capital agenda will be adversely affected,” she stated.
Despite the looming budget challenges, the Ministry reported successes in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, including support for over 8.5 million learners through Universal Primary Education grants, the completion of 50 new secondary schools, and advancements in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the enactment of the TVET Act. Infrastructure upgrades at the Mandela National Stadium and the construction of the Hoima Stadium were also highlighted.
Regional Concerns and AFCON Preparations
Members of Parliament representing the Karamoja region voiced concerns over insufficient funding for the Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU), receiving only 10 billion Shillings ($2.5 million USD) of the allocated 30 billion Shillings ($7.6 million USD). Lawmakers believe the university is crucial for addressing youth engagement in cattle rustling and promoting community stability.
“This University was tailor made to help the youths who engage in cattle rustling among others. If the University is supported, it will help community, and the neighbouring community,” said Hon. Noman Ochero, MP for Labwor County.
Concerns were also raised about the government initiating new projects without completing existing ones, as noted by Hon. Irene Linda, MP for Fort Portal City.
The committee adjourned to facilitate discussions between the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), the National Council for Sports (NCS), and the Ministry of Education and Sports to reconcile requirements for the upcoming AFCON tournament. Uganda is a co-host of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Tanzania, and successful preparations are vital for the nation’s sporting reputation and economic benefits. The tournament is projected to generate significant revenue and boost tourism. https://www.cafonline.com/totalenergies-afcon/
The Ministry remains hopeful that the Second Budget Call Circular, expected on February 15, 2026, will address the identified funding gaps. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Uganda in balancing economic constraints with its commitment to investing in human capital development and key national events.
