Education Ministry outlines government plans on seed schools, coding and technical education

The Ministry of Education and Sports has outlined government’s plans to expand access to education through the establishment of seed schools, coding of primary schools, grant-aiding of community schools, and strengthening technical education

Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports) Peter Ogwang, who represents Ngariam County, presented the Ministry’s position during a parliamentary sitting, addressing concerns raised by Members of Parliament on education infrastructure and staffing gaps.

Ogwang reaffirmed government’s commitment to constructing seed secondary schools in underserved sub-counties but emphasized that availability of land remains a key requirement before any construction can begin.

Responding to concerns about delays affecting the proposed seed secondary school in Nakasongola due to failure to submit a land title, the minister encouraged MPs to ensure that land documentation is secured early to avoid project set He also invited the Nakasongola representative to engage the Ministry on possible follow-up measures.

On community schools seeking government-aided status, Ogwang said government’s policy remains to establish at least one government secondary school in every sub-county. He explained that qualifying community schools in areas without government-aided schools may be considered for coding and grant-aiding depending on the availability of funds.

The minister further revealed that the Ministry plans to code 300 primary schools across the country. He said discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to secure funding for the programme in the next financial year.

Ogwang encouraged Members of parliament with schools that meet the requirements, including annexe schools, to submit them to the ministry for consideration.

On technical and vocational education, Ogwang confirmed that Cabo Technical Institute has received modern equipment but faces a shortage of qualified instructors to operate the machinery.

He said the Ministry is working on securing wage provisions to recruit technical instructors and pledged to visit the institution alongside officials from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector to assess its needs.

Ogwang also reiterated government’s long-term goal of establishing a public university in every sub-region, saying efforts are ongoing to bridge gaps in access to higher education.

The Speaker of Parliament commended the minister for responding to MPs’ concerns and urged other government ministers to maintain regular attendance and respond to parliamentary questions in line with the Rules of Procedure.