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Private school owners have made an urgent appeal to the Government, seeking a reconsideration of its decision to halt various non-tuition fees in schools. They argue that the implementation of this directive could severely impact their operational capabilities and ultimately compromise the quality of education across Uganda.
Hassadu Kirabira, the chairperson of the National Association of Private Education Institutions Association in Uganda (NPEIA), emphasized the vital role of fees in sustaining private schools, stating that they heavily rely on parental contributions for their livelihood. According to Kirabira, discontinuing these fees would present significant challenges in meeting essential expenses such as teacher salaries and other operational overheads.
Addressing concerns at a meeting held on Thursday, February 28, 2024, at Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala, Kirabira underscored the importance of sustaining private school operations amidst the recent governmental directives. During this gathering, an agreement was signed between the association and River Flow International (RIFI), aiming to enhance the teaching of sciences in schools through the provision of educational materials.
The recent government instrument has prohibited both private and public schools from imposing various fees, including charges related to the acquisition of permanent assets, development fees for buildings, and examination or assessment fees not payable to accredited bodies. Additionally, schools are now restricted from levying charges for remedial learning or coaching, as well as facilitation fees for supplementing salaries or welfare of school employees and related committees.
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Kirabira defended the necessity of these fees, emphasizing that they are formulated based on the quality of services provided by the schools. He warned against the potential consequences of interfering with fee structures, asserting that it could compromise the quality of education offered across all institutions.
Highlighting the disparities in education expenditure across the region, Kirabira pointed out that Uganda’s relatively low public investment in education, compared to countries like Kenya and Tanzania, necessitates additional financial contributions from parents to ensure quality education delivery. He stressed the importance of recognizing parents’ financial contributions and urged the government not to undermine their role in sustaining quality education provision.
In light of these challenges, Kirabira emphasized the importance of parents selecting schools where they feel financially comfortable. He urged for a collaborative approach between private institutions and the government to address the underlying issues and ensure sustainable solutions for the education sector’s development.
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