We need a standard policy on School Fees


I have in the recent passed encountered scenarios where students and pupils have failed to get back to school simply because the fees is hiked every term with no clear justification but only one reason is always given, the economy is doing bad. Everyone has a right to education and it is unfortunate that the schools that are meant to promote this right are in actual sense violating it by their irregular fees causing many to drop off or not join at all-leaving education only for the rich.

For instance, I have known schools that ask for more than UGX 1,500,000 as fees per term and this is without school requirements-which are by and large irregular. Some schools demand for materials like paint, barbed wires, rakes, spades, cement, brooms, 12 rolls of toilet papers, 12 reams of paper per student among others and one wonders whether their children are going to set up hardware and stationery shops or actually study. Secondly, what is the school fees for if students and pupils must all the time carry these requirements. I have also had a chance to look at the fees breakdown of some schools and was surprised that parents actually pay for things like fees for needy students, generator fuel, pastoral care, building fees and then school fees it self. These different charges are irregular and extortionist. Schools are at a liberty to set their own guidelines especially on fees and in doing this, they are leaving out many needy Ugandans from accessing education services.
I have also known that some leaders who are supposed to oversee learning and education services in general also own schools that charge these irregular and exorbitant charges, they therefore lack moral authority to regulate this sector.

I therefore call upon the ministry pf Education and sports to front and pass a uniform school fees and requirements policy if all Ugandans are to have the education that they desire and also to be able to attain SDG 4 on quality education for all as a country.

By:
Michael Aboneka Jr

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