The Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, Jenifer Namuyangu Kacha, has warned the head teachers of government-aided schools against charging fees.
While commissioning projects worth 280 million shillings at Bigando Primary School in Bigando Cell Kigulya Division in Masindi Municipality on Wednesday, Namuyangu said that the government introduced UPE schools to enable children from poor families to attain education at zero fee, noting that charging fees will affect the government’s effort in fighting illiteracy among the citizens.
Namuyangu also commended Masindi municipal council, teachers, and staff at Bigando primary school, together with the contractor, for the good work done, adding that the contractor connected the new building to the national electricity grid as a bonus, enabling pupils to revise at night.
The Masindi resident district commissioner, Emmy Ngabirano, warned the school management committee against starting a boarding section, saying it was contrary to the government’s efforts to fight illiteracy.
He also challenged the school authorities to deliver by increasing school enrollment and the performance of learners.
Dr. Florence Asiimwe, the Masindi district woman Member of Parliament, observed the high teacher-to-children ratio and promised to lobby for an increased number of teachers, especially in government-aided primary schools.
The projects that were commissioned by the minister include two classroom blocks with two classes, a five-stance pit latrine with a hand washing facility, an incinerator for girls’ waste, two 10,000-liter water harvesting tanks, 72 desks, a 450-meter chain link, and a metallic gate with a room for a security guard.
Currently, the school has an enrollment of 712 pupils.
INNOCENT ATUGANYIRA
