ALE Country Profile
Uganda
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Overview of ALE in Uganda
Uganda’s commitment to ALE is embedded in its legal framework:
- The Constitution (1995, as amended) guarantees education as a right for all.
- The BTVET Act 2008 promotes vocational skills for youths and adults.
- The Local Governments Act Cap 243 decentralizes adult literacy efforts.
The national literacy rate stands at 73.5% (2024 Uganda Population and Housing Census), with disparities between urban (86.7%) and rural (68.2%) areas. Challenges include high dropout rates and regional inequalities, yet programmes like the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) are driving progress.
Formal Education System
Managed by the Ministry of Education and Sports, the system includes:
- 3 years pre-primary
- 7 years primary
- 6 years secondary
- Higher education
The census also shows that low completion (52.67%) and transition rates (35%) remain key hurdles, increasing the demand for non-formal alternatives (World Bank, 2017). Additionally, the transition rate from primary to secondary school stands at only 35%, resulting in many students dropping out and falling back into illiteracy.
To address these persistent challenges, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), through its Department of Community Development and Literacy implements a range of programmes (see below) aimed at not only improving adult learning and literacy but also trying to mobilize communities and empower them to promote positive shifts in mindsets.
Adult and Non-Formal Education
The MGLSD’s Department of Community Development and Literacy leads this sector, guided by:
- National Literacy Policy (2014)
- National Community Development Policy (2015)
- Non-formal Adult Learning and Community Education Strategy 2023/24-2027/28
Read more about the Strategy HERE.
All of these frameworks emphasize inclusive, equitable, lifelong learning opportunities.
Partnerships and Collaborations
ICOLEW Programme
The MGLSD, in collaboration with DVV International, launched the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) in 2015. This programme has provided literacy, livelihoods, and vocational training and established Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in six districts (Mpigi, Iganga, Namayingo, Nwoya, Mitiyana, and Rukungiri). It is a driving force for community development and also includes Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). Due to its success, the ICOLEW Programme has been incorporated into the Public Investment Plan through Support to ICOLEW (SUICOLEW) Project proposal. This was approved by the Ministry of Finance in 2024 paving the way for the expansion of the project.
The government’s 2024 pledge of 85 billion UGX (22 million Euros) will help sustain the Project, and aims to establish 228 CLCs reaching 60,000 learners by 2029/30.
Read more about ICOLEW HERE and HERE.
DVV International
Since 2014, DVV International has been actively supporting the MGLSD in developing and testing the ICOLEW program across six districts. This initiative has equipped 13 Community Learning Centres (CLCs), benefiting over 8,000 learners. DVV's efforts have significantly bolstered the implementation of the National Literacy Policy and contributed to the development of Uganda's Non-formal Adult Literacy and Community Education Strategy.
Organizations like Unbound Kampala aim to foster self-sufficiency through education and empowerment. Apart from ALE, they are also working on Protection, Livelihoods, Water, Sanitation, Health, and Advocacy. Their Education programme supports people who dropout from school via adult education programmes and the ICOLEW programme.
Literacy and Basic Education (LABE Uganda) also provide adult literacy classes, financial literacy and support to VSLAs.
Academic Institutions
Makerere University and Nsamizi Institute advance ALE through training and research. Current projects at the A include the implementation of Curriculum GlobALE aimed at enhancing the professionalisation of adult educators in Uganda and the documentation of the ALE BOOK spearheaded by Makerere University.
Please contact us if you find any mistakes on this page: info@mojaafrica.net
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