Uganda's School Feeding Program Delayed by Lack of National Policy

Millions of learners in Uganda’s public primary schools will have to wait longer for the government’s promised free feeding program. The Ministry of Education and Sports has revealed that a national policy to guide the implementation is still under development, despite earlier announcements that the program would begin this year.

The government had announced plans to introduce school meals in all UPE schools, sparking hopes that it would combat hunger and improve learning outcomes. Education Minister Janet Museveni had stated in December 2024 that the plan was approved, with implementation expected to commence in 2026, potentially benefiting over 9.1 million learners.

However, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, explained that a comprehensive policy framework must first be approved by Cabinet before any implementation can occur. “You cannot start implementing something without a policy to guide it,” she stated, emphasizing the need for clarity on roles and responsibilities.

While stakeholder consultations are underway and progress has been made on the draft policy, Dr. Turyagyenda acknowledged that the program is unlikely to be rolled out in the 2026/27 financial year as the budget has already been finalized. The process of developing and approving such a policy requires extensive consultation and technical work.

This delay means that many students will continue to rely on parents for meals, with statistics indicating a significant number of government schools already struggle to provide lunch. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics reported that only 49 percent of government primary schools provide lunch, and 16 percent reported pupils going without any midday meal.

Until the policy is approved and implemented, parents remain legally responsible for feeding their children. Experts highlight that hunger directly impacts learning, attendance, and academic performance, underscoring the importance of the stalled initiative. Concerns are also raised about the substantial financial implications of such a nationwide program, requiring careful planning to ensure its success and prevent a “trust deficit” with the public due to repeated postponements.