National Planning Authority2022-01-042022-01-042020https://nru.uncst.go.ug/xmlui/handle/123456789/1006At the introduction of UPE, much responsibility was conferred on the inspection function to particularly quality assure the inputs, processes and outcomes of the UPE. While there have been significant achievements by the education inspectorate, mainly arising out of the reforms undertaken, increasingly, the education inspection function has been cited as a weak link within the interventions to improve education outcomes and achieve UPE objectives. This brief provides policy advice on strengthening the school inspection function based on the findings of the recently concluded independent comprehensive evaluation of UPE policy undertaken by NPA. From the evaluation, it was found that the directorate of education standards (DES) and the local authorities’ education departments have limited capacity in terms of human, transport and financial resources to undertake school inspection as defined in the existing guidelines. Besides, the relevant laws (Education Act, 2008 & Local government Act) do not provide an accountability mechanism that enhances coordination and collaboration between the centre (policy makers) and the local governments (implementers of policy). This policy brief recommends that: the education Act and LG Act should be amended to provide for a legally binding coordination and collaboration mechanism that among others compels LG inspectors to report to both the LG hierarchy and the DES; DES should be elevated to an independent non-Ministerial entity reporting directly to Parliament; and the average cost of inspecting a school be raised from UGX 56,000 to a minimum of UGX.152,292.en