MPs raise concern over excessive school fees

During the plenary sitting of Wednesday, 30 August 2023, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among raised concern about the unilateral increment of fees by school administrators.

Among said government regulations on school fees and requirements should be levied having in mind the prevailing economic circumstances and the convenience of parents. 

“The ministry shares the concern of honourable members about prohibitive school fees which are denying access to education for a number of learners and compromising the government objectives of providing affordable, quality education for all and increasing equitable access to education,” said Ogwang. 

He added: “No school, private or government shall increase school fees for whatever reason without written authorization from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports and/or chief administrative officer/town clerk as the case may be.”

“Other cash and non-cash requirements outside the approved school fees structure are strictly prohibited. All non-cash items must be catered for in the school budget.”

Unsatisfied, Members of Parliament pressed harder for more answers.

“Does your circular categorise these schools in terms of village schools, urban schools; what redress do you have for parents who are complaining that the school fees are still being raised?” Among asked.

The Bbale County Member of Parliament (MP), Charles Tebandeke, said the schools are still a law unto themselves, whimsically increasing fees. 

“Right now, the prices are increasing without any [Government] intervention,” he said.

Ogwang committed to present a statement in which all Parliament concerns can be wholly addressed. 

“The Ministry of Education and Sports prepared a Cabinet paper on school fees regulations. However, Cabinet in a quest to fulfil the pledge of free education for all, directed the ministry to submit another memo on compulsory free education for all. The ministry is embarking on this process and will brief Parliament accordingly,” he said.