education 7 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kwania Loses Shs90 Million in UPE Funds Due to Over 16,000 'Absentee' Pupils
Kwania District has had Shs90 million in capitation grants withheld by the Ministry of Education and Sports after a physical headcount revealed a significant discrepancy between registered and attending pupils. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/over-16-000-ghost-pupils-cost-kwania-shs90m-in-withheld-capitation-grants-5623834
The Ministry of Education and Sports has withheld over Shs90 million intended for Kwania District’s government-aided primary schools. This action follows a recent physical headcount that exposed a substantial gap, with more than 16,000 pupils registered on the Education Management Information System (EMIS) failing to attend classes regularly.
During the second term of the 2026 academic year, Kwania District reported 60,101 pupils on its EMIS. However, a term-end headcount found only 44,000 pupils actively participating in lessons. This discrepancy of 16,101 learners directly impacts the disbursement of capitation grants, which are calculated based on verified student attendance under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program.
Mr. Andrew Omunu, the acting Kwania District Education Officer, confirmed that the allocated Shs290 million for UPE and USE programs was reduced by approximately Shs90 million due to these findings. Schools like Akot Primary, Amorigoga Primary, and Omwono Primary have been significantly affected.
Headteachers attribute the high number of unaccounted-for pupils not to ‘ghost’ students, but to chronic absenteeism. Joel Ayeni, headteacher of Amorigoga Primary School, explained that students often disappear mid-term and only reappear for examinations. School administrators also point fingers at parents, citing a lack of concern for education and a tendency to prioritize agricultural labor over schooling.
“Our parents are not concerned about the education of their children and are not bothered when they absent themselves from school,” lamented Vincent Okullu, headteacher of Akot Primary School. “Many parents routinely withdraw their children from class to go work in the gardens.”
The funding cut has created operational challenges for schools. Marino Abia, headteacher of Omwono Primary School, expressed concern about running the institution with reduced funds, especially as absent students begin returning.
The Kwania District Vice Chairperson defended the headcount as a crucial administrative audit for resource planning, urging patience as authorities work towards a systematic solution. “The headcount was conducted to ensure accurate tracking and proper planning for public resources,” the Vice Chairperson stated. “For now, school management must endure the situation, but we are working to ensure the issue is handled systematically over time.”