How MPs of the 12th Parliament can improve education
This December, the pollical season has reached fever pitch, and we have only just a month for Ugandans to vote for president and members of parliament of the 12th parliament. Unlike the position of president that hasn’t changed in 40 years, there is very high turnover for positions of member of parliament. For example, in the 2016 elections, one analysis found an attrition rate of nearly 60% for direct seats. This means that change happens in parliament, and also possibly other local government positions such as district and subcounty chairpersons, mayors, and their councilors. And because change happens, it is easy for each elected official to leave a distinct impact in the community, however small. In this article, we focus on how MPs, who will be elected on 15th January 2026, can improve education in their constituencies. It is important to note that in Uganda, the role of a Member of Parliament (MP) includes representation, legislation, oversight, budget approval, and advocacy to ensure citizens’ interests are reflected in national governance. This means therefore that the role of an MP is both local and national.
First and foremost, MPs should support their schools to establish school feeding programmes. Most of the government primary schools have bug chunks of land, utilized mostly by teachers. School land should not be used for overall benefit of school. Hunger negatively affects enrollment, attendance, concentration, and retention. MPs can help secure land for school feeding programme in each primary school, provide seeds and garden tools for pupils, and establish school feeding committee. The pupils will provide labour, parents can contribute a small amount to take care of cooking staff.
Secondly, MPs can start interschool competitions in areas such debating, innovations, coding, public speaking or writing. These kinds of competitions only need a few million shillings to organize, but provide important experiences for the learners and their teachers. The MP can sacrifice a day to attend the finals, and award prizes and certificates to participants. These competitions can be coordinated by office of the area MP, CBOs, and district or city education officers.
Thirdly, MPs should closely monitor the utilization of UPE and USE grants in primary and secondary schools respectively. Despite government funding, government schools poorly compared to private schools, partly because of corruption and misuse of public resources. If MPs focus only in getting votes, and look away from these kinds of evil, then our schools, especially rural ones will continue to be in a deplorable state and kill the dreams of our children.
Fourthly, MPs of the 12th parliament should advocate for progressive education laws and policies in parliament. MPs should push for removal of application fees for student loans and PUJAB form, restrict government scholarships to students in public schools, and reduce fees in public schools. Charging poor students to access government funding is unfair and undermines equal opportunity. Eliminating these fees would democratize access to higher education, while ringfencing scholarships for public schools would encourage public school enrollment and help curb exam malpractices linked to private school competition.
The other issue that an MP can do is to visit all the schools in his or her constituency. One of my most memorable days in high school was a when our area MP then, the late John Odit visited us at Dr. Obote College Boroboro in 2004. There’s a lot of excitement, and the MP inspired us to work hard. Even a just simple visit, sharing words of encouragement, or time in a classroom can motivate students and positively shape their educational journey.
In conclusion, while Members of Parliament may serve limited terms, their impact on education can be lasting and transformative if they choose to lead with focus and purpose. By supporting school feeding programmes, promoting learner-centered competitions, ensuring accountability, advocating for fair and inclusive national policies, and maintaining a visible, human presence in schools, MPs can directly shape the futures of children in their constituencies.
As Ugandans head to the polls on 15th January 2026, education should be a key yardstick for judging candidates. Let us choose leaders who are committed to investing in our children and the nation’s future.