Nansana Parents Protest Illegal Charges in Government Schools

Residents of Gombe Division in Nansana Municipality are protesting alleged illegal fees imposed by head teachers at several government primary schools. Parents claim that despite the government's provision of free education in public schools, they are being charged for various school-related expenses.

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Some children are being kept outside the classrooms because their parents have failed to pay the money being demanded by the schools.

Allegations include charges for school fees, feeding programs, and even toilet use. Residents reported that pupils whose parents cannot afford these demanded payments are often sent home from school instead of being allowed to attend classes. Specific schools mentioned include Gombe Primary School, Lwadda A Primary School, and Nabinaka Primary School.

The Mayor of Gombe Division, Hawa Mbabazi, confirmed that some pupils have been denied classroom access due to their parents' inability to meet financial demands. Parents are reportedly being asked to pay as much as Shs17,000 per term. In response, Nansana Resident District Commissioner Charles Lwanga summoned Municipal Education Officer Frederick Katongole to address the complaints.

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Parents are not supposed to pay school fees in government schools. We apologise for what has happened, and we are going to address these concerns.

Katongole expressed surprise at the allegations, apologizing on behalf of the school administrators and promising a thorough investigation. He reiterated that parents are not supposed to pay fees in government schools. School administrators offered explanations, stating that some collected funds support feeding programs and supplement staffing shortages with additional teachers. Wakiso District Chairperson Eng. Ian Kyeyune criticized the practice of unauthorized hiring of teachers and directed schools to cease such activities, warning of disciplinary action.

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No one is allowed to employ teachers in a government schoo