In the international news, one critical issue is gaining attention: access to education in Uganda, a financial challenge for millions of children. Young people’s schooling is compromised by economic hardships that sometimes force them to drop out of school.
In Uganda, the cost of education remains the main source of financial concern for 40% of families, according to the World Bank. Top-quality public schools now charge nearly US$700 in tuition fees per term, a considerable sum for a country where GDP per capita was US$864 in 2023.
At Wampeewo Ntake Secondary School near Kampala, more than 2,100 students are enrolled. However, for hundreds of them, staying in school is becoming a constant challenge due to ever-increasing and unpredictable school fees.
Vice-principal Joanita Seguya testifies to the impact of these fees on a daily basis. She points out that many children are forced to drop out of school after being expelled for non-payment of school fees, a tragic reality for these young people.
The case of Shalom Mirembe, who was expelled from school for unpaid fees while her father lay dying in hospital, illustrates the crushing financial pressure on many Ugandan families. For her mother, Justine Nangero, juggling hospital care with the demands of school becomes an emotional and financial burden.
At Wampeewo Ntake Secondary School, where Mirembe attends, fees are the equivalent of $300 per term. Families are often required to pay 70% of this amount at the start of the term, a financial burden that many parents cannot bear.
The situation is all the more alarming given that many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, faced with high school dropout rates, see the issue of school fees as a major obstacle to children’s education. The World Bank has noted that in sub-Saharan Africa, 54% of adults consider paying school fees as a financial priority ahead of other expenses.
In response to these challenges, the Ugandan authorities have implemented programs to make education more accessible, including universal secondary education launched in 2007. However, many public institutions lack resources and qualified staff, which hinders the continuation of studies for many young people.
In conclusion, the issue of school fees in Uganda raises major challenges for access to education for an entire generation. It is crucial to find sustainable solutions to ensure that every child has the opportunity to continue their education, regardless of their socio-economic background.