Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-02 12:39:55
The Uganda Technical Colleges are advocating for an increase in the current capitation grant provided per student per day by the government. Mr. Milton Mubogwe Kakuba, the acting Principal of Uganda Technical College Kichwamba, voiced his concerns about the current allocation of Shs1,800 per student per day by the Ministry of Education and Sports. He highlighted the challenges of sustaining an institution with a significant student population with the current funding and proposed an increase in the grant to Shs30,000 per student per day. This increase is seen as necessary to cover essential expenses such as meals and training costs and to ensure proper care and support for the students.
At the graduation ceremony of 834 students of Uganda Technical College Kichwamba in Kabarole District, the Chairperson of the Governing Council, Mr. Richard Rwabuhinga, reiterated the challenges posed by limited funding for the colleges. Providing meals to students three times a day with the meager daily allocation of Shs1,800 per student by the government is a difficult task. Mr. Rwabuhinga emphasized the need for an increase in funding to Shs30,000 per student per day to adequately cater to the students’ needs.
In response to these concerns, the State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, assured that the matter would be brought to the attention of the cabinet, especially considering the ongoing budget cycle in Parliament. Dr. Muyingo acknowledged that the current funding is insufficient, given the rising cost of living, and expressed his commitment to addressing the issue. He urged parents to ensure that their children continue their education despite the challenges.
Dr. Muyingo also encouraged female students to consider technical colleges, noting the imbalance in enrollment where females dominate. He emphasized that technical courses are designed to benefit both boys and girls and called for equal representation in these institutions. During the graduation ceremony, the minister commissioned newly constructed infrastructure, including workshops, installed equipment, and vehicles valued at Shs31 billion. These additions aim to enhance the learning environment for students and provide them with the necessary facilities for their educational needs.
Funded by the World Bank through the Albertine Region Sustainable Development project, the new infrastructure includes five workshops for welding, machinery, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical installation. Each workshop is equipped with the required tools and machinery to support hands-on learning. Additionally, the project included the establishment of a gravity-flow water system to improve access to clean water on the campus.
In conclusion, the Uganda Technical Colleges are advocating for increased funding to better support their students and enhance their educational experience. The government’s attention to these concerns and the commitment to address them are crucial steps towards ensuring the quality of technical education in the country. By investing in these institutions, Uganda can empower its students with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the country’s development and growth.
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