RDC and Church Leaders in Heated Debate Over School Fees in Nansana

Residents of Nabweru Division in Nansana Municipality have voiced strong concerns regarding the imposition of fees at government schools, leading to a sharp exchange between local administrator Charles Lwanga and religious leader Venerable Canon Emmanuel Sewanyana.

The conflict surfaced during a community baraza at the Nansana headquarters, attended by various local and government officials, including Kampala Minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda.

Canon Sewanyana expressed dismay over the alleged public humiliation of a head teacher at Kazo Primary School, stating that the church felt disrespected by the incident. He further criticized government officials for issuing directives against schools charging fees without fully grasping the financial realities and operational challenges these institutions face.

“Government should not just sit in offices and issue directives that parents should not be asked for money without first understanding the challenges schools are facing,” Canon Sewanyana remarked. He argued that the current government funding allocated to schools, both for students and staff, is insufficient for their basic needs.

He warned that a lack of trust and understanding regarding school financing could strain the relationship between the government and religious institutions that manage many of these schools, even suggesting the possibility of churches reclaiming their schools.

However, RDC Lwanga firmly countered this stance, issuing a stern warning to school administrators against demanding fees from parents in government schools. He threatened legal action, stating, “If you do not stop asking parents for money, we shall arrest you. Government does not allow you to chase children from government schools.”

Minister Kabanda echoed the RDC’s sentiment, emphasizing that no child should be turned away from a government school due to unpaid fees, though she encouraged parental contributions for school meals.

The baraza also addressed other community issues, including concerns about the Parish Development Model fund distribution.

This article is based on information from Nile Post.