WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THE MOVE?
Jun 16, 2009
A big chunk of the budget presented last week by Syda Bbumba, the minister of finance and economic planning, will go towards education. The public has welcomed this move, but think more needs to be done.
A big chunk of the budget presented last week by Syda Bbumba, the minister of finance and economic planning, will go towards education. The public has welcomed this move, but think more needs to be done. Stephen Ssenkaaba sought their views:
Stephen Gambwa,
a boda boda cyclist
- Much of what has been outlined in the budget is good, however, very little has been said about improving students’ welfare. The Government should provide lunch and other necessities for students because parents cannot afford.
Dr. Ezra Suruma,
Presidential advisor on finance and economic planning
- It is good that much of what was in this year’s budget is a continuation of what was already in place. Universal primary and secondary education need to be supported more as the budget indicates. The introduction of a commission of inquiry into the use of universal primary and secondary education funds is a necessary development.
Deo Kayanja,
a student at Makerere Institute for Social Development
- As a student who pays for his education, I expected more support and tax reductions for private institutions. But as a man from a rural area, I am happy that the budget is putting a lot more emphasis on supporting universal primary and secondary education. Inspection of schools will ensure that standards are put in place and maintained. The conditions in many rural schools are pathetic. Such interventions would improve the conditions.
Aisha Tibasiima,
a records officer Kalparila Uganda Limited
- The budget has good strategies, but, I am disappointed that nothing has been mentioned about northern Uganda. This region has been tremendously affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency. Special attention should be dedicated to improving education in northern Uganda. The budget should have put more emphasis on improving living conditions in school dormitories.
Pastor John Ekudu,
the Dean of Students at Makerere University
- I am pleased with the Government’s move to facilitate needy schools. I have been to many schools in rural areas and witnessed their lack of scholastic materials and teachers’ houses which contribute to poor performance. I believe efforts to support the construction of classrooms, latrines and teachers’ houses is a move in the right direction. Perhaps vocational education should focus more on people’s needs, especially in rural areas. Otherwise, students will acquire these skills and return to villages where they may not be able to put them to use.
Margaret Atim,
the head teacher of Mary Hill High School
- It is good that the Government is planning to step up structural development in schools. However, the budget does not say much about teachers’ wellbeing.
While more teachers’ houses may be put in place, their income and welfare also need to be improved, especially now that the standard of living is high.
Yosamu Mbangira,
parent, Ruhinda sub-county, Kigarama parish, Bushenyi district
- At every reading of the budget, the Government makes grand promises, but acting on them is another story. I cannot express any optimism until the Government shows ability and commitment to fulfilling promises. Many programmes take over 10 years to be implemented. This does not work for a rural parent, like me, with 10 children to send to school. Everything in my home area from teachers’ accommodation to pupils’ welfare is still lacking.
Mercy Tizihaboona,
a businesswoman
- The Government has done well to highlight various issues in education. But the most important issues, as far as universal primary and secondary education are concerned, have not been addressed. These include meals, transport and uniforms for pupils.
Betty Kamya,
Rubaga North MP
- The increase in the education budget is a good move. The commission of inquiry in the misuse of universal primary and secondary education is also a positive development. I hope it is not a political statement, but a functional measure to streamline the education ministry. We need to overhaul our education system to make it more practical. The budget reads fine, however, we need to close the gap between what is promised and delivered.
Stephen Gambwa,
a boda boda cyclist
- Much of what has been outlined in the budget is good, however, very little has been said about improving students’ welfare. The Government should provide lunch and other necessities for students because parents cannot afford.
Dr. Ezra Suruma,
Presidential advisor on finance and economic planning
- It is good that much of what was in this year’s budget is a continuation of what was already in place. Universal primary and secondary education need to be supported more as the budget indicates. The introduction of a commission of inquiry into the use of universal primary and secondary education funds is a necessary development.
Deo Kayanja,
a student at Makerere Institute for Social Development
- As a student who pays for his education, I expected more support and tax reductions for private institutions. But as a man from a rural area, I am happy that the budget is putting a lot more emphasis on supporting universal primary and secondary education. Inspection of schools will ensure that standards are put in place and maintained. The conditions in many rural schools are pathetic. Such interventions would improve the conditions.
Aisha Tibasiima,
a records officer Kalparila Uganda Limited
- The budget has good strategies, but, I am disappointed that nothing has been mentioned about northern Uganda. This region has been tremendously affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency. Special attention should be dedicated to improving education in northern Uganda. The budget should have put more emphasis on improving living conditions in school dormitories.
Pastor John Ekudu,
the Dean of Students at Makerere University
- I am pleased with the Government’s move to facilitate needy schools. I have been to many schools in rural areas and witnessed their lack of scholastic materials and teachers’ houses which contribute to poor performance. I believe efforts to support the construction of classrooms, latrines and teachers’ houses is a move in the right direction. Perhaps vocational education should focus more on people’s needs, especially in rural areas. Otherwise, students will acquire these skills and return to villages where they may not be able to put them to use.
Margaret Atim,
the head teacher of Mary Hill High School
- It is good that the Government is planning to step up structural development in schools. However, the budget does not say much about teachers’ wellbeing.
While more teachers’ houses may be put in place, their income and welfare also need to be improved, especially now that the standard of living is high.
Yosamu Mbangira,
parent, Ruhinda sub-county, Kigarama parish, Bushenyi district
- At every reading of the budget, the Government makes grand promises, but acting on them is another story. I cannot express any optimism until the Government shows ability and commitment to fulfilling promises. Many programmes take over 10 years to be implemented. This does not work for a rural parent, like me, with 10 children to send to school. Everything in my home area from teachers’ accommodation to pupils’ welfare is still lacking.
Mercy Tizihaboona,
a businesswoman
- The Government has done well to highlight various issues in education. But the most important issues, as far as universal primary and secondary education are concerned, have not been addressed. These include meals, transport and uniforms for pupils.
Betty Kamya,
Rubaga North MP
- The increase in the education budget is a good move. The commission of inquiry in the misuse of universal primary and secondary education is also a positive development. I hope it is not a political statement, but a functional measure to streamline the education ministry. We need to overhaul our education system to make it more practical. The budget reads fine, however, we need to close the gap between what is promised and delivered.