Uganda’s Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has clarified that homeschooling is not legally recognized under the country’s current education laws. Speaking during discussions on the National Teachers Bill, 2024, Kiwanuka stated that existing legislation mandates that all children must attend formal schools, leaving no legal room for homeschooling.
The clarification came in response to a query from Rwampara Woman MP Molly Kamukama, who questioned why the proposed Bill lacked provisions for regulating homeschooling despite its increasing prevalence in the country. Kiwanuka responded by emphasizing that teaching requires professional qualifications and that any move toward recognizing homeschooling would require a comprehensive regulatory framework to be developed by the Ministry of Education.
MP Rosemary Asiimwe echoed concerns about the lack of support for families pursuing homeschooling, urging the government to engage with this growing community. “Families opting for homeschooling often seek a pathway to transition into formal education systems. The government should address these needs rather than focus exclusively on traditional schooling models,” Asiimwe argued.
Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, explained that homeschooling has yet to be formally introduced for policy consideration. “We cannot plan for homeschooling until it is officially brought to the ministry’s attention,” she noted, adding that the current laws do not accommodate alternative education systems like homeschooling.
Homeschooling Gains Traction in Uganda
Despite its lack of legal recognition, homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular among Ugandan families. A recent survey conducted by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) in collaboration with Home-scholars Uganda Group (HUG) estimates that approximately 7,000 children are being homeschooled nationwide.
The study explored the motivations behind homeschooling, the methods employed by parents, and the challenges they face. Joyce Nansubuga, who leads Pedagogy and Innovations at the NCDC, noted that the findings would inform a policy brief for the Ministry of Education, potentially shaping future discussions on the subject.
Advocates for homeschooling argue that it offers flexibility and personalized learning opportunities but face significant barriers, including the high cost of resources and the absence of a supportive policy framework. Stakeholders in the homeschooling community are calling on the government to provide regulatory and financial support to families choosing this path, highlighting the need for inclusive education policies that accommodate diverse learning needs.