education 4 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Church Schools Accused of Illegal Charges, UJCC Intervenes

The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) has petitioned the government over alleged illegal charges imposed by church-founded schools. Meanwhile, the schools are defending these fees as necessary for operational costs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ujcc-petitions-govt-as-church-schools-defend-extra-charges-5546192

Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) has raised concerns with the government regarding what it describes as illegal charges being levied by several church-founded schools across the country. The council has formally petitioned the Ministry of Education and Sports, calling for intervention to stop these practices which are reportedly burdening parents.

Sources indicate that many of these schools are demanding extra fees beyond the officially approved school fees. These additional charges are allegedly being used for various school operational needs and development projects. However, UJCC argues that these fees are not sanctioned by the Ministry and violate established regulations, potentially making them unlawful.

In defense of the charges, representatives from some of the affected church schools have stated that the extra funds are crucial for maintaining the quality of education and infrastructure. They claim that the government capitation and approved fees are insufficient to cover the rising costs of running educational institutions, including teacher salaries, utilities, and learning materials.

UJCC, in its petition, has also urged diocesan education secretaries, parish priests, and other church officials involved in school administration to adhere strictly to government guidelines on school fees. The council emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in school finances and is pushing for a resolution that protects parents from undue financial strain while ensuring schools can operate effectively.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has acknowledged receipt of the petition and stated that it will investigate the matter thoroughly. A spokesperson indicated that the ministry is committed to ensuring that all educational institutions, regardless of their founding body, operate within the legal framework and uphold the principle of accessible education for all Ugandan children.

The situation highlights a persistent challenge in the Ugandan education sector, where the gap between government funding and the actual cost of quality education often leads to financial pressures on schools and parents alike.