Amidst growing concerns over school fees, the National Private Educational Institutions Association (NPEIA) has responded to the public outcry by challenging the notion that private schools bear sole responsibility for what many Ugandans perceive as excessive fees.
Mr. Hasadu Kirabira, the Chairperson of NPEIA, addressed these concerns during a telephone interview with the Monitor on Tuesday, redirecting attention towards government-aided schools that impose high fees despite receiving public funding.
Questioning the feasibility of regulating or setting fee caps, Mr. Kirabira highlighted the complexities of managing private school budgets, including expenses for utilities, teacher salaries, and other operational costs not subsidized by the government.
He emphasized the inability of schools to control inflation or manage economic factors that influence fee structures, suggesting that fees are determined by these external forces.
While acknowledging the validity of charges for infrastructure and development fees, Mr. Kirabira stressed the autonomy of private schools in setting general school fees, urging stakeholders to refrain from intervention.
Mr. Kirabira claimed that private school proprietors have engaged with relevant authorities, including discussions at Cabinet, and reached an understanding that the government would not interfere with fee-setting, though this could not be independently verified by the Monitor at the time of reporting.
Furthermore, Mr. Kirabira highlighted the influence of services offered by private schools on fee structures, emphasizing the importance of parental choice based on the quality of education and additional activities provided.
Ultimately, Mr. Kirabira encouraged parents to make informed decisions regarding school choices according to their financial capabilities.
