Browsing by Author "Akello, Pamela"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    User fees and retention of pupils in government aided primary schools in Apac district
    (Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-10) Akello, Pamela
    Abolition of fees in primary schools is Uganda’s strategy to ensure access and equity in primary education. Since the implementation of Universal Primary Education policy, thousands of pupils have failed to be retained in government aided primary schools to complete the primary education cycle. This study investigated the effects of user fees on retention of pupils in government aided primary schools in Apac district. The study used an explanatory concurrent mixed method cross-sectional design using a sample of 150 pupils, 30 parents and 10 headteachers from Apac district. Data was collected using the questionnaire for pupils in upper primary classes and interviews for parents and headteachers. School documents mainly on enrolment were reviewed to complement data from the questionnaire and interviews. The Pearson’s product moment correlation was used to measure the relationship between user fees and retention of pupils in primary schools. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and reported descriptively. The findings showed a significant relationship between user fees and pupils’ retention. Qualitative findings demonstrated periodic attendance by pupils with high rates of attendance registered only in third term and on days when the user fees weren’t being demanded, parents’ willingness to keep their children in primary school and high school drop out in the upper classes. The study therefore concluded that user fees affect attendance and retention of pupils in government -aided primary schools in Apac district. There is therefore need to supplement the UPE structure put in place by the government of Uganda with a sustainable program of pupils’ financial assistance.