education 13 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Debate Rages: How Much Pocket Money is Right for Ugandan Boarding Students?
Parents grapple with deciding appropriate pocket money amounts for secondary school children in boarding schools, with suggestions ranging from Shs100,000 to Shs1 million per term. While some schools impose guidelines, others leave it to families, raising concerns about financial literacy and spoiling teens. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/education/how-much-pocket-money-is-too-much--5422064
Sending teenagers to boarding secondary schools in Uganda means parents must navigate the tricky issue of pocket money alongside tuition fees. This cash allows students freedom for personal needs or emergencies during the term, but consensus on amounts is elusive.
One mother, Miriam Nabacwa, provides up to Shs1 million split across weekly visits to her three teens. Parent James Byaruhanga counters that a third of that suffices, warning against indulgence. Another suggests Shs100,000 in installments, noting many learners mishandle funds like adults do.
Students push back harder. Senior Four pupil Angela calculates Shs3,000 daily needs over 90 days, totaling around Shs300,000. Her friend Crystal admits leveraging parental moods for up to Shs500,000, aware some peers receive Shs1 million.
Teens often view pocket money for fun like gadgets or parties, not just crises. Schools vary: some cap amounts or dictate uses, others defer to parents. Without financial education, generous allowances risk creating unrealistic expectations for future jobs paying Shs1 million monthly.
The core question lingers—what truly constitutes enough pocket money per term?
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)