Parents of VH Public school decry continuous school fees increment

By Denish Ongora (denish.ongora@vol.co.ug)

Lira

Some parents of VH public school have decried the continuous increment of school fees by the school authority.

VH public school is a government aided primary school that has been renowned for good performance but of late, parents have complained of continuous increment of school fees without consulting them, high charges for pupils’ registration by ministry of education among others.

One of the parents of VH Public School Alex Ogwal said the school increased school fees in the last two terms without consulting parents but the decision was solely taken by the head teacher, school management committee and chairperson.

Ogwal expressed fear that this action may lead to the collapse of the school and discourage some parents to stop sending their children to the school.

Ongom Nelson another parent said they have reported the matter to Lira RCC for investigation.

Ongom said the new fees structure is not favorable for parents who earn little and could lead to school dropout.

VH has increased school fees ranging from 35,000 to 48,000 shillings for the third term depending on the class.

The PTA chairperson of VH public school, Reagan Ongom attributed school fees increment on the covid-19 pandemic and high cost of commodities.

Ongom said they increased school fees without the parents’ notice since it was a matter of urgency and that it would be costly to host parents for a meeting which could have cost over 10 million shillings.

In their resolutions presented to the president by Northern Uganda youth Member of Parliament Boniface Okot, at international Youth day celebration held in Gulu city on Friday, UNSA Leaders said Universal primary education-UPE and Universal Secondary Education-USE programs are being undermined by persistent increment of school fees by learning institutions, making it impossible for youth from poor families to access education.

They called for a statutory instrument to control high school fees so as to allow young citizens to study.