Title: Eastern Uganda's secondary schools, with updated context, citations, and regional nuances
Authors: Dr Arinaitwe Julius
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 132-138
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
Eastern Uganda's secondary education system operates within a complex socio-economic landscape that has evolved significantly since the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997. The massive expansion in primary education enrolment from two million to almost eight million pupils created unprecedented pressure on the secondary education system, particularly in Eastern Uganda where educational infrastructure remains historically underdeveloped compared to central regions. The problem was characterized by inadequate infrastructure, persistent gender disparities, low academic achievement levels, and limited transition rates from primary to secondary education, which collectively undermined the region's potential for socio-economic development and perpetuated cycles of poverty and inequality. The main objective of this study was to examine the challenges and opportunities in Eastern Uganda's secondary education system and develop comprehensive strategies for improving educational access, quality, and outcomes in the region. This study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions across five districts (Mbale, Tororo, Busia, Soroti, and Gulu), involving 450 participants including students, teachers, parents, and education officials. Key findings revealed that 68% of secondary schools lacked adequate infrastructure, with only 32% having proper sanitation facilities, while gender disparities showed girls were 2.3 times more likely to drop out due to early marriage and pregnancy, and academic performance indicated that 58% of students failed to achieve minimum literacy and numeracy standards. The study concluded that Eastern Uganda's secondary education challenges were multifaceted, requiring integrated approaches addressing infrastructure development, gender equality initiatives, and quality enhancement programs to transform the educational landscape. The key recommendation based on the main objective was the implementation of a comprehensive regional education development framework that prioritizes infrastructure investment, gender-sensitive policies, and community engagement strategies to improve educational access, quality, and outcomes in Eastern Uganda.