SECTION VIII: EDUCATION, LEISURE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES 8.1 Education Government of Uganda recognizes basic education as both a human right and an important investment in the future productive capacity of the economy. Government has, therefore accorded basic education a very high political profile. In 1997, Government demonstrated her commitment by declaring Universal Primary Education (UPE). Through Local Government Development Programme (LGDP), government also embarked on classroom construction. In addition, Government provides building materials such as iron sheets, timber, cement and nails to government-aided schools. As a result of UPE the primary school enrolment increased from 2.6 million in 1996 to 7 million children in 2004. Between 2000 and 2004 secondary school enrolment and the number of teachers has more than doubled with a student teacher ratio rising. With government policies on liberalisation, the number of private institutions in the education sector has risen absorbing more than half of the total enrolment. Government universities have increased unlike when it used to be only one (Makerere University) in the late 80‟s and also more courses have been created to suit the labour market. This in turn has increased the number of government sponsored students. Table 4: Education Statistics 2000-2004 2001 2002 2003 2004 Male 3,528,035 3,721,135 3,872,589 3,732,928 Female 3,372,881 3,633,018 3,760,725 3,644,364 Total 6,900,916 7,354,153 7,633,314 7,377,292 Male 341,818 401,731 521,587 522,133 Female 314,044 372,583 492,685 495,440 Total 655,862 774,314 1,014,272 1,017,573 Male 241,721 263,216 263,216 636,284 Female 231,082 255,724 255,724 616,294 Total 472,803 518,940 518,940 1,252,578 Male 95,519 117,824 133,487 117,002 Female 77,624 100,462 114,466 101,378 Total 173,143 218,286 247,953 218,380 Male 80,824 85,461 91,424 87,362 Primary schools Total Enrolment Repeaters Orphans Pupils with special needs Primary teachers 24