NEED Boda Boda Fraternity

03/03/2024

13/02/2024

13/02/2024

Our interest today is on the exorbitant school fees in Uganda particularly as primary 7 candidates’ transition to the secondary level.
Education has always been a cornerstone of our nation's progress and the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997 which originally was the late Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere’s idea, was a pivotal step towards ensuring access to primary education for all Ugandans. However, the current landscape with the rising school fees are transforming education into a privilege for the rich.
Furthermore, our National Organizing Secretary Mr. Ssetumba Godfrey observed that the increasing cost of education is becoming a barrier for many Ugandans and is therefore disheartening to note that the noble concept of universal education is seemingly evolving into a business venture by government.
We contend that education is a fundamental human right and should be preserved as a social service accessible to all and implore government to revisit the principles behind UPE to ensure that education remains a pathway to success for every Ugandan regardless of their financial status.
We also express our dismay at the exorbitant school requirements that rival the cost of tuition in some remote schools henceforth rendering education a luxury further widening the gap between those who can afford it and those who cannot.
As NEED we recommend the following to government for urgent consideration:-
1. Enhance the infrastructure of public and UPE schools to provide a viable alternative for families facing financial constraints.
2. Alleviate the financial burden on parents by eliminating UNEB registration fees promoting equal access to quality education.
3. The Ministry of Education and Sports to establish comprehensive policies for early childhood education to lay a strong foundation for all students.
4. We appeal to religious schools to reconsider their fee structures and encourage religious leaders to facilitate access to quality education for their followers.
5. Acknowledge their responsibility in overseeing private schools and explore measures to support and subsidize fees for students facing financial challenges.
During the same media engagement, our National Treasurer Mr. Basajja Charles urgently asked government to expedite the establishment of the Consumer Protection law in order to regulate the anti- competitiveness practices and to ensure fair pricing not only in the education sector but also in other sectors like the health sector, energy sector, private sector etc.
As NEED we notice the current state of affairs within the Ministry of Education and Sports signals an economic strain and as previously mentioned by President Kabuleta that the main intention of raising these social services like education, health etc. is an intention by government to keep Ugandans poor.

13/02/2024

13/02/2024

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13/02/2024