Kampala, Uganda – As schools reopen for the third term, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has urged school owners to consider flexible payment plans for parents struggling to pay school fees amidst economic hardship.
Starting Sunday September 15, 2024, parents and guardians are expected to take back their children to schools for the 3rd term across the country.
“Considering this in mind, the Party would like to draw the attention of school authorities to appreciate the economic situation at hand and kindly allow parents to clear their children’s dues in instalments.” Said the party spokesperson Arach
According to Arach, the decision will help students especially those sitting for the final exams of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), to fully focus and concentrate on their books, than being disturbed everyday because of the school dues. “Equally, we appeal to parents to strive and meet their obligations.” She disclosed
Arach, additionally criticized the private schools for exorbitant fee hikes, calling on the government to regulate the sector and protect students from exploitation.
Inregads to alarming situation in government schools across the country, Arach appealed to the government to address the acute shortage of teachers in the public schools, citing a detrimental impact on the quality of education.
“Government and private schools need to be well staffed with teaching and non-teaching staff.” She said
“The line Ministry of Education and Sports is therefore called upon to ensure enough supply of instructional materials (text book, visual aid) to schools countrywide. By now, schools shouldn’t be still suffering from the issue of text book – student/pupil ratio as well as teacher – student/pupil ratio at our watch, which is a recipe for failure.” She further said
She also appealed to all the service providers of the different students’ scholarstic materials like books, sets, pens, uniforms among others to be very lenient with the parents by ensuring that prices are not raised beyond normal which has been a common tendence.
Furthermore, Arach emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures in schools, including functional fire extinguishers and regular security checks, to prevent accidents and ensure student safety.
“We have, in the recent past suffered fire outbreaks at schools with registered loss of lives and property. The schools and other learning institutions need to be well secured with fire detectors and thunder deflectors.” She highlighted
On the other hand, Arach called on the Uganda police and fire brigade to always stay on steady alert incase of any school fire emergencies, emphasizing the need for routine checking of the institutions in terms of safety of the school children. “UPC wishes all pupils and students a good 3rd term program.” She said
The call comes as schools prepare to welcome students back for the new term, with many families still reeling from the economic effects of the pandemic.
