education 19 August 2026 State House (Uganda)
State House Warns Schools Against Illegal Fees, Investigations Underway
The State House Education Desk has issued a stern warning to government schools against imposing illegal fees on students enrolled in the Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE/USE) programs. Headteachers and officials involved in these practices face ongoing investigations. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/state-house-reiterates-warning-to-government-schools-over-illegal-fees-as-head-teachers-officials-face-investigations
The State House Education Desk is cracking down on government schools that are levying unauthorized charges on students participating in the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs. Jimmy Nambiro, Head of the Education Desk and Private Secretary to President Museveni on Education and Skilling, emphasized that these illegal fees undermine the foundational principles of free education, which were introduced to ensure access for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Nambiro stated that universal free education, a flagship program of the NNRM government since its inception in 1997 (UPE) and 2007 (USE), has dramatically increased school enrollment from 2.5 million to approximately 10 million children, significantly improving literacy rates to around 85 percent. The government continues to allocate substantial resources to support over 12,551 primary and 1,615 secondary schools nationwide.
Concerns have been raised regarding illegal school fees, development charges, examination registration fees, ghost learners and teachers, and the mismanagement of capitation grants. Notably, charging for UNEB registration fees, which are covered by the government for candidates at P.7, O-Level, and A-Level, is a direct violation of law and presidential directives.
State House is intensifying its monitoring efforts and urging local leaders, education officers, and security personnel to report any violations. The Education Desk is collaborating with the Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate reported irregularities. Several head teachers, school inspectors, and District Education Officers are currently under investigation, with disciplinary or legal action planned for those found culpable.
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda did not introduce Universal Free Education for the rich. Therefore, anyone found charging for free Universal Education at all levels will face the law,” Nambiro warned, urging the public to report such malpractices to the State House Education line at 071 6095366.