Members of Parliament are increasing pressure on the government to regulate school fees. Dr. John Chrezestiom Muyingo, the Minister of State for Higher Education, has announced plans to conduct nationwide consultations to develop a statutory instrument that will regulate school fee structures in schools and reduce the burden of exorbitant fees. Muyingo made this revelation during his appearance before the Parliamentary Committee of Education and Sports.
During the committee meeting, MPs questioned Ministry of Education officials about the steps being taken to curb exorbitant fees in government grant-aided schools. Some legislators accused the ministry and certain committee members of jeopardizing the academic future of Ugandan children. This arose from the comments made by Juliet Kinyamatama Suubi, the Rakai District Woman MP, who stated that calling for a school fee review is pointless in a liberalized economy.
The State Minister of Higher Education, John Crezystom Muyingo, assured the committee that they are on track to bring regulations to address skyrocketing school fees. Last week, the Minister of State for Primary Education, Moriku Kaducu, informed parliament that the absence of an enabling law has made it difficult for them to regulate school fees.
The committee members also questioned Education Ministry officials about the delay in rolling out a revised A-level curriculum.
