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A parent arrives with her child at Ebenezer Secondary School Kisugu in Kampala. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
As schools reopened for the second term, several school administrators expressed mixed reactions to the Ministry of Education’s recently issued policy guidelines aimed at protecting parents from exorbitant fees, particularly in private schools. Although the government liberalized the education sector, it has become common for privately owned schools—and a few government-aided institutions—to impose unnecessary charges and requirements, placing undue financial pressure on parents.
Children showing their school requirements to teacher Haron Egwang at Ebenezer Secondary School. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
During visits to various schools, our reporter found that some administrators condemned specific guidelines, arguing that the government had failed to take action against schools that had undermined fair competition by promoting extravagant lifestyles that exploit parents, often due to lack of awareness.
"Punish the offenders, not everyone"
Wilberforce Kamengo, head teacher at Greenhill Academy, Kibuli, said the government’s failure to act against known violators has led to blanket policies that frustrate well-intentioned schools.
“They know the schools that promote indecency through so-called prom parties, but the government has never acted against them,” Kamengo said. “Now, they are punishing schools that have never been part of this mess.”
He added that schools without core values are the ones that need regulation. “Faith-based schools, for example, rarely engage in such excesses.”
A parent arrives with her child at Ebenezer Secondary School Kisugu in Kampala. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Ban on foreign trips for nursery and primary school learners
Kamengo also weighed in on the ministry's decision to ban foreign trips for nursery and primary school learners, saying the government should have conducted a survey involving parents who accompany their children on such trips before making the decision.
“Our society is divided into the poor and the rich. Making laws that only target those who can afford foreign trips while pretending to protect those who can’t is unfair,” he argued.
Greenhill Academy Kibuli head teacher, Wilberforce Kamengo reacting negatively on the recent ministry of education guidelines as schools open. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
He noted that parents at Greenhill Academy are highly involved in such programs. “Whenever we organize foreign trips, about 70% of our parents escort their children. For instance, from December 11 to 16, our learners will travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa for a study tour at a cost of $1,800 (approximately UGX 6.5 million) per child. We’ll notify the police, local government, and the ministry accordingly,” he said.
Mixed views on nursery tours
Amon Kansiime, head teacher at Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School in Kisugu, welcomed the ministry’s ban, arguing that toddlers are too young for foreign tours.
“They are scared of live animals in zoos. Some cry during such trips, which creates a stressful environment for teachers,” Kansiime said. “Children at that age should watch animals on television until they’re old enough to understand and ask relevant questions.”
Annet Kisoma, a nursery teacher, added that children benefit more from visits to child-friendly venues like Freedom City and children’s shows, where they can engage in play, football, toy rides, and singing activities.
Greenhill Academy plans mega foreign country tour that seeks to take learners at sh6.5m each to South Africa. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Government bans luxurious prom parties
Cassim Male, head teacher at Ebenezer Secondary School in Kisugu, supported the ban on hiring luxury cars and helicopters for school prom parties, saying such displays were putting unnecessary pressure on both students and parents.
“Students were arriving in expensive cars and helicopters, wearing outfits that even teachers couldn’t afford,” Male said. “This led to strained teacher-student relationships and made some parents question the value of education that focuses more on extravagance than on instilling values like saving.”
However, he expressed doubt over the policy's sustainability. “The government has always struggled to enforce such policies. These guidelines are often short-lived and soon forgotten.”
Cassim Male, the Headteacher at Ebenezer Secondary School Kisugu said that luxurious school promos were starting to push students to pressure their parents for extra monies. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Private school proprietors demand dialogue
Joseph Kiggundu, a member of the Proprietors of Private Educational Institutions Association in Uganda (PPEIAU) and proprietor of Kings Schools in Najjanankumbi, called for dialogue before implementing the guidelines. “We want to sit as an association and review the guidelines before issuing a formal response. We also want to understand the ministry’s rationale,” he said. “School tours offer valuable learning experiences. There’s a lot children gain from exposure that cannot be taught in a classroom.”
Didas Orikiriza, Executive Director of the National Private Education Institutions Association (NPEIA), criticized the government’s approach, saying it appears more punitive than consultative.
“While regulation is necessary, the government is frustrating the sector with too many unilateral policies,” he said. “The ministry should engage stakeholders in policy formulation. If a nursery school in Uganda wants to visit a counterpart in China, how is that harmful?”
Torch Media Africa
