SIMPSON M
The Rukungiri District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Masokoyi Waswa, on February 5, 2025, issued an immediate suspension of extra fees in all government-aided schools within the district.
This decision was made during a meeting held at Makobore High School in Rukungiri Municipality. The meeting was attended by headteachers from both government-aided and private primary schools, officials from the education department, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and the CAO.
Mr. Masokoyi expressed disappointment that, despite full government support, headteachers, in collaboration with Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairpersons, continue to charge parents additional fees, which is against the law. He noted that this has led to numerous complaints from parents.
He emphasized that it is unacceptable for schools to collect money for services that are already covered by the government. He further pointed out that President Museveni has also criticized local governments for failing to properly implement the Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy.
According to Masokoyi, headteachers are only permitted to charge UGX 10,000 for central examinations. However, many schools have gone beyond this by imposing additional fees for remedial lessons, construction, security, and tests, among others. All such charges have now been suspended.
Describing these fees as unethical and in violation of government policy, he directed all government-aided schools to eliminate them immediately. He warned that any headteacher who fails to comply will face legal consequences. He also advised schools to utilize the capitation grant to meet their operational needs.
Masokoyi further stated that discussions will be held with the District Executive Committee (DEC) and the District Council to deliberate further on this decision.
Rukungiri District Education Officer (DEO) Jackson Turyahimuura urged headteachers to comply with the CAO’s directive and ensure that no child is sent home due to non-payment of fees.
He stressed that sending children home for failure to pay fees not only violates the Education Act of 2008 but also disrupts their learning process, potentially affecting their long-term academic performance.
Turyahumura encouraged headteachers and stakeholders to hold mandatory meetings with parents to find alternative ways to support schools without imposing additional financial burdens on families.
Biriho Lovence, the Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) Rukungiri branch, commended the headteachers for attending in large numbers and urged them to comply with the new directives for the benefit of Uganda’s children.
She emphasized that parents should participate in school projects voluntarily, based on mutual agreements with school committees. However, no child should be affected if a parent fails to meet their obligations.
Rukungiri Assistant RDC, Madam Mable Mirembe, reiterated that schools should rely entirely on government grants and should not send any child away due to non-payment of fees.
She also cautioned teachers against absenteeism and late coming, urging them to maintain discipline and punctuality in schools.
Additionally, Mirembe called on headteachers to remain vigilant against the spread of Mpox (monkeypox) by ensuring proper hygiene in schools. She reported that at least three cases have been registered in the district and advised schools to establish adequate handwashing stations
