Headteachers bothered by decision to halt Parents Cash Contributions

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Teachers in Kasese district are concerned that there might be a decline in the performance of learners after the prohibition of financial contributions by parents in government-aided schools by the Resident District Commissioner.

The decision by the RDC followed the arrest of Selivano Kiribyunza, the headteacher of Railway Primary School and Remegio Thembo Ikwera, the headteacher of Kasese Primary School for collecting school fees from Universal Primary Education-UPE pupils.

Security heads led by the RDC Lt. Joe Walusimbi said the actions of such headteachers were against the presidential directive for free education to children under UPE and Universal Secondary Education-USE programs.

But Jackson Sibasi, the Zonal Headteacher representative for Hima Town Council says that he finds nothing wrong with parents and administrators amicably agreeing to contribute towards the betterment of learning. He says that schools receive insufficient capitation grants which often come in late, yet administrators have to meet daily operation costs.

Sibasi added that UPE schools are currently struggling to conduct activities including routine mid-term and mock examinations for primary seven candidates due to the lack of resources.

Peskezia Kabugho, the Headteacher of Muhokya Primary School says they are struggling to pay teachers and other staff that are not on the government payroll. She added that it’s unfortunate that such decisions are taken without putting such challenges into consideration.

Kasese District Principal Education Officer George Mayinja, however, advises school administrators to formally report these challenges through the established lines of governance other than putting pressure on parents. He said that often, the education authorities are blamed for the collection of money by schools, even when they are unaware of the practice.

Kasese District Chairperson Eliphaz Muhindi discourages the school management from charging fees since the government has increased the capitation grants by 20 per cent starting with this financial year.

The Kasese RDC maintains that they will continue arresting and putting before court whoever is found denying education services to learners in government-aided schools.

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