Can Uganda’s school feeding program overcome the challenges?

In a move poised to reshape Uganda’s education landscape, the Ministry of Education and Sports has announced the rollout of a long-awaited national school feeding programme. Slated to begin in the 2025/2026 financial year, the initiative aims to provide a hot midday meal to primary school students across the country.

While the announcement has been met with widespread optimism, education experts and stakeholders warn that its success hinges on overcoming significant logistical, financial, and policy challenges.

For years, Ugandan primary schools have struggled with the issue of hungry learners. Children attending school on empty stomachs often face difficulties concentrating, leading to poor academic performance and high dropout rates. Previous policies placed the burden of school feeding on parents, many of whom couldn’t afford to pack meals or contribute financially to feeding programs.

“This program is a step in the right direction,” says Dr. Sarah Amanya, an education policy expert. “But implementing it on a national scale is no small task. Without careful planning and adequate funding, it risks becoming another well-intentioned policy that fails to deliver.”

One of the most pressing concerns is funding. While the Ministry of Education has promised separate financial allocations for the program, the exact budget has not been disclosed. Dr. Amanya points out that similar initiatives in other countries have faltered due to underfunding.

“Providing a hot meal for millions of children every day requires a substantial and consistent financial commitment,” she explains. “The government must ensure that funds are not only allocated but also disbursed in a timely manner. Otherwise, schools may struggle to sustain the program.”

Past attempts at school feeding programs have faced challenges related to corruption and mismanagement of funds. Transparency and accountability will be critical in ensuring that resources reach the intended beneficiaries.

Another significant challenge lies in logistics. With Uganda’s primary schools spread across both urban centers and remote rural areas, ensuring that food reaches every school on time and in good condition will require a robust supply chain.

James Mugerwa, head teacher of a primary school here in Kampala, highlights the difficulties some rural schools may face. “Many schools in remote areas lack proper kitchens, storage facilities, or even access to clean water,” he says. “Without addressing these infrastructure issues, it will be difficult to implement the program effectively.”

To mitigate these challenges, the Ministry plans to allow schools flexibility in choosing meals based on locally available ingredients. This approach not only reduces transportation costs but also supports local farmers, creating a ripple effect in the community.

While the initiative aims to improve student nutrition, experts warn that budget constraints could lead to compromises in meal quality. Dr. Amanya emphasizes the importance of providing balanced meals that meet the nutritional needs of growing children.

“Feeding children is not just about filling their stomachs,” she says. “It’s about providing the right nutrients to support their physical and cognitive development. A poorly designed meal plan could undermine the program’s educational objectives.”

The Ministry has indicated that it will work with nutritionists and local health officials to develop meal plans that are both cost-effective and nutritious.

Janet Kataha Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, revealed the plan during the NRM manifesto progress report event at State House Nakasero.

Dr. Denis Mugimba, the Ministry of Education spokesperson said under a new arrangement, the government will introduce separate funding for all primary schools specifically for school feeding.