Private players in the education sector have asked the Government to reconsider a proposed policy of setting a fees ceiling for schools in a bid to stop what the government called the exploitation of parents.   

The private sector players argue that market forces and the general increment of prices have meant that they need to be prudent if they are to stay afloat and continue providing services.

The Schools Fees Regulation Policy, which is now before Cabinet, sets the minimum and maximum schools fees and requirements for all schools should follow.

According to the proposed Schools Fees Regulation Policy, the Government wants schools to charge at least Shs260,000 or at most Shs1.6 million, depending on the nature of the schools, location, staff salaries, feeding of learners and administration costs, among others. Failure to adhere to the set standards attracts a fine of between Shs1 million and Shs20 million, a one-year imprisonment for the school director/administrator or both.

However, the Resident Director of Kings Way Schools, Bright Bwengye told COU Family Tv that the new school fess policy may compromise the quality of education and other services that private schools offer.

He added that as long as schools offer services matching the fees they charge, there should not be a problem in a free market economy. However, he explained that his school has maintained the range of school fees despite the volatility in the economy.

The National Secretary Federation of Non-State Education Institutions (FENEI), Patrick Kaboyo stated that the regulation is important in the legal framework. However, he advised that it would be more effective if all stakeholders are engaged in the discussions and they strike a compromise for a win-win situation

According to a guardian we spoke, it is important for parents and guardians to take their children to schools which they can afford to avoid stressful conditions.

The Private Schools and Institutions department in the Ministry of Education and Sports was inaugurated in 2008, consequent to the restructuring of ministry to cater for the vibrant and ever-expanding private investment in education. Since the government of Uganda decision in 1993 to liberalize the education sector, thousands of schools and institutions have been set up by private investors.

In fact, private schools are generally performing a lot better academically compared to public schools, many of which have been run down over the years and declined in many respects.