The main purpose of the study was to make an investigation on the current status ofrnUniversal Primary Education in Addis Ababa, and challenging jactors that impede thernrealization of UPE.rnIn order to realize this pU/pose, questions regarding the status of Universal PrimaryrnEducation (UP E) in the regional Administration, Socio-Cultural and socio-economicrnimpediments that affect the attainment of UPE, school related factors and administrativernlinstilutional impediments that hinder the progress to wardl' UPE as well as measures thatrnare being taken to address the major problems to attain UPE were raised as basic questionsrnof the study.rnThe study utilized a descriptive survey method and involves both primary and secondary datarnsources. The data obtained through questionnaire, interview and documents were analyzedrnqualitatively and quantitatively. Relevant statistical tools such as graphs, tables, percentagesrnand the mean were used to analyze the quantitative data.rnThe analysis of the data revealed that coverage and access to basic primary education isrnincreasing and the enrollment of girls appears higher than boys. However, still a number ofrnpoor, disabled, working, orphan and street children of right school age are denied ofrnschooling. On the other hand, quality, equity and efficiency issues of the education systemrnare found to be not satisfactoly. The results of the findings also indicate that socio-culturalrnconstraints like gender bias and stereotyping, belittling the value of girls' education,rnnegligence to the education of physically impaired and AIDS Orphan children were identifiedrnas major problems in the strive to attain UP E.rnIn addition to this, socia-economic factors like demand for child labour in poor house hold,rnlow house hold income, health problem and poor nutrition, ever increasing school agernpopulation, and direct and indirect school costs were found to be major constraints.rnFurthermore, school related factors: lack of school facilities and service, large class size,rnpoor quality of education, and lack of quality teaching materials were considered asrnbarriers. Insufficient budget and finanCial resources, and lack of incentives for teachers arernfound to be major barriers to the success of UPE in Addis Ababa.rnincreasing the number of qualified teachers have been used as strategies by the cityrnadministration.rnOn the basis of the jindings, it was concluded that Addis Ababa City Administration isrnprogressing well in the area of access and coverage. However, socia cultural socioeconomicrnschool related and administrative jactors are challenging the efforts being made tornrealize UP E.rnFinally, expansion of non- formal education, increasing the role of private sector, expansionrnof available school buildings and classrooms, implementation of double shift flystem,rnimproving school environment , giving tutorial support, strengthening school communityrnrelation ship, , improving teachers' capacity through training, provision of high qualityrnteaching materials, school feeding programs, provision of grants or scholarships, bursariesrnand incentives for vulnerable children, expansion of inclusive and special needs education,rnproviding gender awareness training, formulation of pro-poor and other supportive socialrnpolicies, and improving collection and consolidation of statistical data were recommended asrninterventions for the successful attainment of Universal Primary Education.