Speaker Oboth Backs Harmonised Tax System for Private Schools

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has thrown his weight behind calls from private school proprietors for a harmonised tax regime. He noted that overlapping levies from both central and local governments threaten the survival and smooth operation of institutions that are vital to the nation’s education framework.

Oboth made these remarks during a meeting at Parliament with a delegation from the National Private Educational Institutions Association-Uganda (NPEIA), headed by MP Michael Mawanda and association leaders. He emphasized that although these schools are privately owned, they deliver an essential public service that complements government efforts.

Highlighting their massive footprint, Oboth pointed out that private providers operate all nursery schools, 73 percent of primary institutions, and 75 percent of secondary schools across the country. Furthermore, they employ over 187,000 teachers, making them a crucial pillar of both education delivery and employment.

In addition to tax reforms, the proprietors raised concerns regarding access to affordable financing. Oboth assured the delegation that Parliament would evaluate proposals to facilitate affordable credit through the Uganda Development Bank. He praised the association for advocating a predictable business environment and affordable loans rather than relying on government handouts.

Beyond financial matters, the Speaker challenged NPEIA to collaborate with the government in investigating the root causes behind high primary school dropout rates. Understanding these challenges will enable stakeholders to craft effective interventions and keep children in classrooms. Finally, Oboth confirmed his commitment to attending the upcoming NPEIA Regional Education Conference on December 10.

Read the full report on Nile Post.