By John Kusolo
In a determined call for reform, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago presided over the City Education and Sports Partner’s Engagement Meeting at City Hall, Kampala. The event brought together city leaders, education administrators, private sector stakeholders, and development partners, all committed to addressing the mounting challenges in Kampala's education sector.
During his address, Lukwago highlighted several critical issues confronting city schools, stressing that without transformative interventions, the adverse effects could last for generations. Among the challenges he pointed out were limited funding for both capitation and development budgets, which has hindered the improvement of educational facilities and the provision of quality education services.
"The current funding levels for city schools are insufficient to meet the demands of our growing student population," stated Lukwago. He further noted that policy ambiguity around operational aspects adds to the constraints faced by education providers. "A clear policy framework is essential for effective implementation and operational success," he emphasized.
The Lord Mayor's message was clear: without immediate action, the education sector would struggle to meet its mandate. "Education is not just a service; it's a right, and it’s fundamental to the development of our city and the future of our children. If we don’t act now, the repercussions will echo across generations," he cautioned.
Lukwago acknowledged the tireless work of development partners and private education service providers, who have been instrumental in supporting the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in fulfilling its educational mandate. He expressed gratitude for their role in filling gaps left by inadequate funding and policy support, underscoring the importance of partnerships in meeting the needs of the city’s young learners.
The engagement, spanning one day, served as a platform for discussing policies, structural challenges, and potential solutions aimed at bolstering Kampala’s education landscape. Key discussions revolved around how the city could mobilize resources to improve school infrastructure, increase funding for learning materials, and ensure quality service delivery.
The meeting also delved into the need for policy reforms that would streamline operational guidelines and enhance the synergy between public institutions and private sector players. Attendees included KCCA Deputy Executive Director, CEC members, technical staff, and representatives from various stakeholder groups who shared insights and provided feedback on the best ways to address the current gaps.
As the meeting concluded, the Lord Mayor reiterated the importance of a united front in tackling these educational challenges. The way forward, he emphasized, lies in collective efforts between the government, KCCA, private sector, and development partners to not only address funding and policy issues but also to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the education system.
“We have the potential to make Kampala’s schools models of excellence. With the right policies, adequate funding, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders, we can ensure our children receive the quality education they deserve,” Lukwago affirmed.
The City Education and Sports Partner’s Engagement Meeting reflects KCCA's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, quality, and sustainable education environment within Kampala. As stakeholders rally together, there is optimism that these collaborative discussions will pave the way for strategic and sustainable improvements in the city’s education sector, thus securing a brighter future for the next generation.
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