Students Face Hunger as UNSA Criticizes School Fees Ban

The Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) has strongly criticized the government’s recent directive against charging school fees in government-aided schools. UNSA Speaker Henry Martin Tendo stated that the policy, championed by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has inadvertently led to significant hardships for students and educators.

According to Tendo, the ban, intended to protect parents from excessive charges, has left many learners hungry. Schools that relied on parental contributions for meals, additional teachers, and learning materials are now struggling to provide basic necessities. Some institutions are reportedly scaling back services, with a few even reverting to day-school arrangements due to insufficient funds.

Tendo questioned the adequacy of the government’s per-student capitation grant, which he noted is around Shs60,000 per term for O-Level students. He argued that this amount is insufficient to cover the term’s expenses and ensure student welfare.

Furthermore, UNSA pointed to a rise in teacher shortages. Many government-aided schools depend on teachers hired through Parent Teacher Association (PTA) funds to supplement government staffing. The ban has impacted the ability to retain these crucial staff members, leading to situations where some schools have only one teacher.

The students’ body also raised concerns about the impact of hunger on learning, with students reportedly leaving school to find food and struggling to concentrate in class. UNSA also accused some parents of misinterpreting the ban as a complete relinquishment of their educational responsibilities.

UNSA has reportedly written to Minister Balaam and the Ministry of Education and Sports seeking dialogue but has not received a response. They are calling for the reinstatement of lunch fees, increased teacher recruitment, and an urgent meeting with stakeholders. UNSA has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene in the crisis affecting students in government-aided schools.

Source: Nile Post