Teachers at government-funded schools in Masaka have threatened to go on strike because of delays in the disbursement of funds to run the schools.
Funds for Universal Primary Education have not been given to the schools since the term begun a year ago. The Masaka District Education Officer, Francis Ssekadu, says the district urgently needs 300 million shillings to buy textbooks, scholastic material and food for the 354 schools under the program.
Ssekadu says the Ministry of Education and Sports has not offered and explanation for the delay. He too is at a loss to explain it because his department fulfilled its terms for receipt of the disbursement by accounting for all money given last year.
Under Universal Primary Education government pays 6,000 shillings for each pupil in public primary schools.
Emmanuel Namugera, Deputy Headmaster of Bulwadda Church of Uganda Primary School, says the lack of funds has crippled them. He says that without the most basic books and learning materials, teachers are demoralized and pupils are not receiving the full benefit of their education.
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Last year, Masaka district experienced similar delays. The money was finally disbursed after the third term ended.
