Parliament Approves Expansion of District-Based University Sponsorship

Members of Parliament have overwhelmingly supported a motion to review and expand the government’s university undergraduate sponsorship program, with a particular focus on the District Quota Scheme.

The resolution, moved by Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, highlights that the current allocation of 4,000 government sponsorship slots annually has not kept pace with the growing number of qualified students and fails to address existing inequalities in access to public universities.

Currently, the District Quota Scheme receives 896 out of 1,000 affirmative action slots, with the majority of the 4,000 sponsorships going to the national merit scheme. Lawmakers argued that this distribution disproportionately benefits students from well-resourced schools, leaving many from poorer communities behind.

Discussions during the sitting also led to amendments ensuring that the Sports Scheme and Special Needs Scheme are explicitly included in the expansion efforts. Members representing persons with disabilities emphasized the critical need for increased support for these students, noting their particular vulnerability.

Further arguments presented suggested that students admitted through the District Quota Scheme, often from rural public schools, demonstrate strong academic performance at university, sometimes outperforming peers admitted via the national merit system. There was also a call to prioritize science programs within the district quota and to consider reducing the proportion allocated to the national merit scheme.

The Deputy Speaker has directed that the government provide a report on actions taken within 60 days, in line with parliamentary procedures. This resolution signifies a strong parliamentary push to make higher education more accessible and equitable across Uganda.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4490/parliament-backs-expansion-district-based-university-sponsorship