EOC Attemps To Modulate School Fees Increment

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Uganda news December 16, 2022

The government has been approached by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) to appeal the school fees increment.

The commission hopes to avoid exploitation of parents by schools that hiked their school fees in this current economic crisis.

A board member of the EOC, Mr Habibu Sseruwagi yesterday addressed journalists in Kampala. He said the commission finds that 35% of parents have pending fees balances from last year.

He felt concerned about parents with children in schools that hiked fees during the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, he cited other challenges for example the social challenges occasioned by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“In order to cope with the rising operational cost caused by Covid-19, many schools increased fees at the beginning to the last academic year. However, these increments were still unfair since the parents’ incomes had not changed,” Mr Sseruwagi said.

He said that without government’s intervention, many schooligoing children will be denied access to education.

“Government, especially the Ministry of Education should say no [to this situation]. This is because it seems schools have been left to increase the dues at any time they wish yet schools are experiencing almost the same challenges as parents,” Mr Habiibu said.

In response, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, said private schools doing this are doing it illegally.

He urged private schools to agree on favorable fees structures, saying the government will soon pass a law to guide on this matter.

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