Case study: Uganda

The system of education in Uganda was originally established when Uganda was a British colony, with semblance based upon the British educational model. This system was formally adopted after Uganda gained independence in 1962.

Today, the school system in Uganda is based upon a 7 – 4 – 2 model. This model represents the years spent at different educational levels. Therefore a child spends seven years in primary school, four years in secondary school and two years in high school. Keep in mind that very few children complete all levels of education in Uganda.

Formal education in Uganda begins approximately at age seven, although most children do not start on schedule due to family and work responsibilities.

The school year in Uganda begins in early February and ends in mid December every year. There are three school terms in Uganda titled the First term (approximately February to April), Second term (May to August) and Third term (September to December). A school term lasts for about three months followed by an approximate three week break, although the third term break is the longest.

Schools in Uganda are formal in nature and teachers are highly respected by pupils and other members of the community. Most children have the desire to go to school and value their education. All pupils must wear a school uniform with a badge illustrating the name of their school, although different schools have different color and style uniforms. Boys typically wear a shirt and a pair of shorts, while girls wear a dress to school each day. Most children at rural schools do not wear shoes; instead they walk and even play football and other games without any protection for their feet. In fact most children walk to school, with some walking over five miles each way.

Class sizes in Uganda are between forty and eighty children within individual classrooms. Some schools do not have benches and tables, so students have to sit and write on the floor. Educational facilities vary widely throughout the country due to strict financial constraints.

More information on education in Uganda can be found in the Country Studies/Area Handbook Series, which was compiled by the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress.