Bugisu Leaders Divided Over Proposal to Introduce Extra Fees in Government Schools

By Skika Reporter

Leaders in the Bugisu sub-region have sparked debate after proposing that government-aided schools be allowed to charge modest fees to parents, arguing the move could help improve learning conditions and academic performance.

The proposal comes amid an ongoing crackdown by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit on what authorities describe as illegal charges in public schools.

Recently, a head teacher in Mbale District was arrested and interdicted over allegations of collecting unauthorized fees, in defiance of the government’s free education policy championed by Yoweri Museveni.

However, some local leaders and education stakeholders say the reality on the ground makes limited parental contributions unavoidable.

Rev John Wilson Nandaah defended the idea, arguing that faith-based and government-aided schools still face funding gaps that hinder effective learning.

“Schools should be allowed to charge small, affordable fees to meet operational costs until government funding becomes fully adequate,” he said.

He made the remarks during a thanksgiving ceremony at Busiu Secondary School, where a new science laboratory was commissioned following improved academic performance in recent national examinations conducted by the Uganda National Examinations Board.

Despite government support—including teacher salaries, infrastructure development, and capitation grants of about Shs20,000 per learner annually—school administrators say the funds are insufficient to meet growing demands.

Rev Nandaah noted that many schools operate with staffing gaps, forcing them to rely on parents to hire additional teachers and maintain facilities.

“In some schools, there are far fewer teachers on the government payroll than required. Contributions from parents help bridge that gap,” he explained.

John Baptist Nambeshe echoed the sentiment, saying schools where parents contribute tend to perform better academically.

“We are not supporting exorbitant charges, but if parents agree on a small contribution through PTA meetings, it should be allowed for the benefit of learners,” he said.

Education stakeholders cite examples from central Uganda, where stronger parental involvement and financial contributions have reportedly boosted school performance.

However, authorities maintain that such charges violate existing laws and policies, including the Universal Primary Education framework, which guarantees free access to primary education.

Jimmy Nambiro from the anti-corruption unit warned school administrators against imposing fees, especially those that result in learners being sent home.

“It is illegal to send a child away from school because of failure to pay feeding or other charges,” he said, emphasizing that government programmes such as UPE, Universal Secondary Education (USE), and SEED must be implemented in line with presidential directives.

Meanwhile, local leaders have urged a more consultative approach in addressing the issue