Understanding Access to and Learning Outcomes from ECE among Refugees and Non-Refugee Populations in Uganda: A Cross-Cohort Comparison

Early childhood education (ECE) is a key investment for improving learning and future outcomes. Yet, in the context of Uganda, it is not compulsory or free, which means that provision tends to be private, and hence there is limited access for children from disadvantaged families, particularly refugees. This article examines the level of access to, and learning outcomes from, ECE among refugees, compared to nationals, over time. Three findings are worth highlighting. First, refugee children were more likely to access ECE relative to nationals. Second, children who access ECE had increased learning outcomes relative to those who did not, with the largest difference observed among nationals with ECE. Third, over time, the benefits of ECE in terms of improved math and English test scores disappear. This article provides insights into the quality of ECE provision, particularly for refugee populations, and raises questions on the benefits of ECE as children progress through Ugandan schooling.