Education Ministry Bans Sending Students Home Over Unpaid School Fees

The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a stern directive to all head teachers across Uganda, prohibiting the practice of sending students home for failing to pay school fees. Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda emphasized that this method of compelling parents to pay is detrimental, causing psychological distress to learners and negatively impacting their academic focus.

Dr. Turyagyenda stated that such actions undermine the core objectives of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs, which are designed to ensure that all children have access to education regardless of their financial background.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Secondary School Head Teachers of Uganda (ASSHU) in Lira City, Dr. Turyagyenda advised that while schools can negotiate payment plans with parents, expelling students is not an acceptable solution.

She also called upon head teachers to enhance their oversight of teachers, focus on staff mentorship, and ensure the effective implementation of educational policies to improve the quality of education. The Permanent Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to improving public servant salaries, noting recent increments for science teachers and ongoing phased increases for others.

Meanwhile, ASSHU President Hajjat Nabukeera Zulaika proposed consolidating salary enhancements for secondary school head teachers into a single phase. She also urged for professional and legally sound handling of corruption allegations against school administrators and called for greater government investment in staffing and school infrastructure. The meeting drew over 1,000 secondary school head teachers and deputies from across the country.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/education-ministry-warns-against-sending-learners-home-over-school-fees-5583598