Muntu says to review free govt education system, increase funding

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Presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu says once voted into power, he will increase funding for Universal Primary Education (UPE) and urgently review the free government education system.

Addressing a campaign rally at Buyanga ward, Namungalwe town council in Iganga district, Muntu emphasised the need to improve the quality of education, saying, “With education, the Government would have shaped the mindset of citizens whose souls have been crushed by an exploitative and oppressive system.”

A resident holding a Muntu campaign poster during the campaign trail. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

ANT Presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Residents listening to Muntu during the campaign rally. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Muntu's December 10, 2025, pledge comes amid concerns from voters over the implementation of UPE and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programmes, with many schools charging fees, hindering access to education for children from poor families.

President Yoweri Museveni has also expressed frustration over the issue, urging leaders to ensure full implementation of free education in government-aided schools.

“The current UPE capitation grant is shillings 28,000 per pupil annually, which is very insufficient. On calculation, the Government spends only shillings 3,000 per pupil per month, and teachers are earning less than shillings 400,000 after deducting Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax,” Muntu said, pledging to increase the funds.

Muntu pledged to increase the grant to sh100,000 per pupil annually. Muntu's promise to increase UPE funds aims to address the challenges facing the education sector, including inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and poor learning conditions.

Reviews on free education

Muntu plans to review the free government education system to address declining standards in government-aided schools in rural areas.

Muntu interacting during the campaign trail. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

The Government introduced UPE and USE to provide access to education for all, but it has been underfunded due to limited budget allocations.

“Given that the Government doesn’t provide enough funding to the schools, the education policy allows parents to make monetary contributions to schools, which needs to be urgently addressed,” he said.

Muntu disclosed that despite President Museveni asking Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) to stop schools from charging any fees from parents, a lot needs to be done to address the impending crisis.

“This is a political gimmick to win cheap political capital; it creates confusion among the parents, and they don't know which direction to take. It also justifies irresponsible parents not to support the education of their children,” he revealed.

According to Muntu, the same government which stops parents from paying fees charges money for Uganda National Students Association, Secondary Science and Mathematics Teachers and the Association of Secondary School Headteachers of Uganda fees from students.

Residents having a say during the campaign trail. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Residents having a say during the campaign trail. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Joseph Musali, a resident from Musita village, Mulingilire parish, Baitambogwe sub-county in Mayuge district demanding the establishment of a seed school to improve education standards in the district.

“We need a school that can provide quality education to our children in our area,” said Musali.