education 6 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Ministry Under Fire for Uncontrolled Exam Fee Hikes
The Ministry of Education and Sports faces criticism for failing to regulate escalating examination fees, placing an undue burden on parents and students, particularly those in private schools. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/editorial/exams-fees-ministry-must-wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee-5486968
There is growing concern over the unchecked increase in examination fees across Uganda, with the Ministry of Education and Sports being urged to take decisive action.
Reports indicate that various examination bodies and schools are levying charges that significantly exceed the official amounts set by bodies like the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). This practice disproportionately affects parents who are already struggling with school dues, especially those sending their children to private institutions.
The rise in fees, often passed on as “administrative costs” or “processing fees,” is becoming a major barrier for many students seeking to complete their secondary education. Many parents are finding it increasingly difficult to meet these additional financial demands, raising fears that some students may be unable to sit for their final examinations.
The Ministry of Education and Sports, as the primary regulatory body for the education sector, is expected to provide clear guidelines and enforce adherence to fee structures. However, a lack of oversight has allowed these arbitrary increases to persist, creating an uneven playing field and potentially compromising the accessibility of education.
Stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention from the Ministry to investigate these fee hikes, implement stricter controls, and ensure transparency in all examination-related charges. Failure to address this issue could have long-term negative consequences on educational standards and student participation.