First Tracking the Finalization and implementation of the Early Childhood Development Policy is one of the things the Education Sector must pay attention to. This according to the Education and Sports Minister Janet Kataha Museveni. “The need to First Track the implementation of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) policy in order to address issues of the required facilities, personnel, the structural methodology and natural roles.” The government had not been keen on managing Early Childhood Centers many of which were owned and managed by private individuals and sometimes by development partners like UNICEF. The government felt it needed to play a key role as it provided a foundation for the quality of citizens. She called on the stakeholders in the Education Sector to join hands and improve the sector, especially on quality. “With the Education and Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020 that I launch today, will provide us with the policy framework that will guide the sector and it navigates through the achievement of very critical goals in providing quality education.”

Slow progress in the review of the lower secondary curriculum, the influx of refugees causing congestion in the schools, high level of teacher pupil absenteeism, poor management of private schools, and over-testing leaners at the expense of teaching were some of the issues raised during the review meeting. Others were; examining of pre-primary leaners, entry examinations to the primary one, commercialization of exams, low level of school inspection, low motivation for teachers in hard to reach areas, and low staffing at all levels. “Over entry examinations to primary one and it’s felt that we should issue a circular to stop the vice and to monitor and ensure compliance.” Said, Aggrey Kibenge – Under Secretary, Ministry of Education. The Ministry also launched a Strategic Plan 2017/2018 to 2019/2010 to improve education.