The Priorities to Guarantee Sustainability of Universal Primary Education in Rwenzori Region in Western Uganda

This study examined priorities for sustainability of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in the Rwenzori Region Western Uganda. Uganda has struggled to meet the requirements for sustainable primary education. Rwenzori is one region in Uganda that has been extremely affected by civil and tribal wars, disease and poverty among other social problems in the country. This study was guided by the Systems Theory as propounded by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy in 1969. The target population for the study was primary school teachers, head teachers, School Management Committee Members (SMCM), Quality Assurance Officers, District Education Officers, District Inspectors of Schools and Officials (DISOs) from the Ministry of Education and Sports of Uganda. The sample was selected using probability and non-probability sampling techniques and a cross-sectional survey design was adopted in all sampled primary schools in the Rwenzori region. Qualitative and quantitative methodology guided the collection of reliable data and by use of a questionnaire and analysed using inferential and descriptive statistical methods. The findings of this study established that priorities were in place in some schools, especially those in semi urban areas to ensure the sustainability of UPE. These included: provision of funds, provision of good learning environment, good infrastructure; working to enhance students' interests in education; provision of good supervisory services, administration, accommodation and feeding programmes. However, these factors were not found to be sufficient to guarantee sustainability of UPE in the Rwenzori region and perhaps other regions in Uganda that experience similar challenges. In addition, the study found that adequate funding is very paramount to the success and sustainability of UPE in Uganda.