Influence of school income generating activities on financing Universal Primary Education schools in Uganda: a case of Lira Municipality, Lira District

Abstract

The study focus was to investigate the influence of school-based Income Generating Activities on financing Universal Primary Education schools of Lira Municipality. Specifically, the study hinged on the investigation of three issues; to determine the role of school income generating projects in financing Universal Primary Education schools, to find out the challenges encountered in implementing school income generating projects in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools, and to find out the extent to which school income generating activities influences financial performance of Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools in Lira Municipality. Cross-sectional survey research design was utilised with mixed methods of data collection, including questionnaires and interview guides and analysis was done descriptively. The results of the study clearly indicated that, to a larger extent school income generating activities play great roles in financing UPE schools, despite the numerous challenges encountered during the implementation of school income generating activities in UPE schools. The study concluded that, income generating activities are useful sources of additional income in UPE schools of Lira Municipality. The study recommended that the government should formulate a national framework for policy planning and administration of IGAs, creating the post of production unit, initiate capacity building programs for school managers to be equipped with entrepreneurial skills and infused entrepreneurship into teachers’ training curriculum to enhance their capacity as future leaders of IGAs in the country.