education 14 July 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament Boosts District Quota Scheme for University Sponsorship
Uganda's Parliament has called for a significant expansion of the District Quota Scheme for university sponsorship, aiming to increase access for students from disadvantaged and rural backgrounds. The move seeks to address systemic inequalities in higher education admissions. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4490/parliament-backs-expansion-district-based-university-sponsorship
Lawmakers in Uganda have overwhelmingly passed a resolution advocating for a substantial overhaul of the government’s university undergraduate sponsorship program. The key thrust of the resolution is to increase the allocation of sponsorship slots under the District Quota Scheme.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi highlighted that the current distribution of 4,000 annual government sponsorship slots no longer adequately serves Uganda’s growing student population. He noted that the District Quota Scheme, intended to promote equitable access, currently receives only 896 out of 1,000 affirmative action slots, a figure deemed insufficient.
The parliamentary debate revealed concerns that the existing National Merit Scheme, which grants 75% of sponsorships, disproportionately benefits students from well-resourced backgrounds and top-tier schools. Conversely, the District Quota Scheme, along with schemes for sports and special needs, was seen as a more effective avenue for underprivileged students.
Discussions also emphasized the need to ensure robust support for students with disabilities and to prioritize those who attended public primary and secondary schools. Evidence presented suggested that students admitted through the District Quota Scheme, often from rural areas, tend to perform exceptionally well at university, even with slightly lower entry grades than their merit-admitted peers.
Further amendments proposed that a portion of District Quota sponsorships be directed towards science programs, as currently, the majority are allocated to humanities. The Deputy Speaker has directed the Ministry of Education to present an action-taken report within 60 days, indicating the urgency with which Parliament expects these changes to be implemented.
This resolution signals a strong parliamentary commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable system for accessing higher education in Uganda, particularly for those from marginalized communities.
Source: Parliament of Uganda