Date of publication:

03/27/2025

Uganda

Do domestic laws and policies provide for acceptable quality education standards for education for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

In 2017, Uganda has introduced the Education Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities I (ERP I) was introduced in 2018 by Ministry of Education and Sports in order to ensure improved learning outcomes for increasing numbers of refugee and host-community children and adolescents across Uganda with the participation of various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, donors, Civil Society Organizations and the United Nation Organizations, through the contribution of financial support, technical expertise and practical input. The second Education Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities (ERP II) 2021/22 – 2024/25, a follow up to ERP I, provides a comprehensive Plan aimed at mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts that caters to ensure access to quality education for increasing number of refugee children and host communities.

The ERP prioritizes resource allocation for improving the teacher-pupil ratio and providing training and support for teachers, including those from the refugee community. This could lead to better-qualified and more effective teachers, potentially improving the quality of education for all students. Furthermore, the Response plan includes activities to strengthen school governance, which could lead to better decision-making and resource allocation within schools, ultimately improving the learning experience for students. The Response plan also mentions exploring pilot innovations in education, which could lead to new and improved teaching methods and learning materials, further enhancing the quality of education.

 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Refugees Act (2006)

    Legal provision

    Section 29(e)(iii) - Rights of refugees while in Uganda (Access to Education)

    (1) A recognised refugee shall, subject to this Act, the OAU Convention and the Geneva Convention— (e) receive at least the same treatment accorded to aliens generally in similar circumstances relating to — (iii) education, other than elementary education for which refugees must receive the same treatment as nationals, and in particular, regarding access to particular studies, the recognition of foreign certificates, diplomas and degrees and the remission of fees and charges;

    Section 32(1) - Rights of Refugee Children (Elementary Education)

    (1) Refugee children shall be accorded the same treatment as nationals with respect to elementary education.

    The Constitution of The Republic of Uganda

    Legal provision

    Article 34(2) - Rights of children (Education)

    (2) A child is entitled to basic education which shall be the responsibility of the State and the parents of the child.

    Article 30 - Right to education.

    All persons have a right to education.

    Education (Pre-Primary, Primary and Post-Primary) Act (2008)

    Legal provision

    Section 4(1) - Policy on the provision of education and training

    (1) Provision of education and training to the child shall be a joint responsibility of the State, the parent or guardian and other stakeholders.

    Section 4(2) - Policy on the provision of education and training

    (2) Basic education shall be provided and enjoyed as a right by all persons.