education 4 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ogwang: No child should be sent home over UPE/USE fees
The Minister of State for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, has sternly warned head teachers and school committees against imposing illegal fees on students enrolled in Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs. He emphasized that education is a right and not a business, and any school administrator found extorting money will face severe consequences. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ogwang-no-child-should-be-sent-home-over-upe-use-fees-5619046
Minister of State for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, has issued a strong directive against the practice of charging unauthorized fees in government-funded schools. He stated unequivocally that Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) are free, and no child should be denied their education due to failure to pay prohibited charges.
These illegal fees, often disguised as contributions for development, lunch, mocks, or uniforms, range from Shs 50,000 to Shs 150,000 per term, according to the Minister. Ogwang stressed that such practices fuel student dropout rates and undermine the government’s commitment to accessible education for all.
Speaking at a burial in Tororo District, the Minister highlighted that President Museveni has approved an increase in capitation grants. UPE schools will now receive Shs 25,000 per pupil annually, up from Shs 17,000, and USE schools will get Shs 175,000 per student. This financial boost is intended to cover learning materials and co-curricular activities, eliminating any justification for charging parents, especially for essentials like lunch.
Ogwang warned that head teachers found demanding money or sending students home for non-payment will be arrested and interdicted. He also implicated some district education officials in conniving with head teachers to collect these illegal fees, promising strict monitoring and action.
Parents at the event expressed fear of reporting erring head teachers due to potential retaliation against their children, such as being made to sit outside the classroom. The Minister urged parents to report such incidents directly to his office or the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
District and Sub-county Inspectors of Schools have been directed to monitor UPE/USE schools and report any instances of illegal fee collection. The Paramount Cultural Leader of the Iteso Cultural Union also encouraged parents to prioritize education as the key to fighting poverty and accessing future job opportunities.