Following the mounting public outcry, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to take decisive action against schools found guilty of charging exorbitant fees. The directive comes amidst widespread complaints from parents and students about the escalating costs of education.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa expressed deep concern over the persistently rising school fees, despite previous efforts by parliament to address the issue. “There are very many complaints regarding fees circulars from various schools including Government and private schools that has been discussed from this House, I have seen several circulars including from Government schools with regard to that matter, including giving very clear directives, but the situation seems to be getting worse and some of the school fees being charged are totally prohibitive,” remarked Mr. Tayebwa.
Mr. Tayebwa has instructed the Ministry of Education and Sports to provide a statement detailing the punitive measures that will be imposed on schools that defy government directives on fees. The aim is to curb the significant variations in school fees charged by different institutions, which have been causing financial hardships for both parents and students.
Despite the government’s implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs aimed at providing free education, many schools, both public and private, continue to levy fees without adhering to regulations. This practice has placed a heavy burden on the finances of numerous families across Uganda.
As the Ministry of Education and Sports prepares to address this pressing issue, stakeholders eagerly await concrete measures to ensure that education remains accessible and affordable for all, in line with the government’s commitment to promoting quality education and equitable opportunities for all Ugandan citizens.
