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  3. Private School Owners in Kagadi Push Back Against Government’s Proposed Ban on Development Fees

Private School Owners in Kagadi Push Back Against Government’s Proposed Ban on Development Fees

20 February 2024, 7:21 am

Teacher attending to class Pupils

Kagadi district, proprietors of private educational institutions are voicing their opposition to the government’s proposed ban on development fees.

The government’s move, aimed at enhancing the affordability of education in Uganda, involves the end of 12 specific fees in both private and public schools.

Among the fees prohibited are building fees, contributions for school bus purchases, and charges for examinations or assessments not administered by accredited national or international bodies.

Additionally, the directive prohibits schools from imposing fees for corrective learning or coaching, as well as facilitation fees or supplements to employee salaries or welfare for various school bodies.

Despite the government’s intentions to alleviate the financial burden on parents, private school owners argue that a realistic assessment of current educational costs is necessary before eliminating certain fees.

Richard Namanya, Director of Good Hope Parents Primary School Muhorro and Chairperson of Private Primary Schools in Kagadi district, contends that these directives should solely apply to public schools.

Namanya criticizes the government for privatizing the education sector without adequate regulatory measures.

Namanya expressed, “It’s the government that deliberately sold the education sector to entrepreneurs, making regulation challenging.”

Namanya on fees directives

Legal expert Katusabe Peter Junior is doubtful about the possibility of the government’s proposal, suggesting that inherent conflicts of interest among Members of Parliament and Ministers could impede its progress.

Katusabe remarked, “Even if this matter reaches the parliamentary floor, it’s likely to face challenges due to conflicting interests among MPs and Ministers.”

Katusabe on Gov’t

The debate surrounding the government’s attempt to regulate school fees is poised to intensify as stakeholders weigh in on the implications for both private and public education sectors.