The RDC discovered that the school’s administrators frequently chase away students whose parents fail to pay exorbitant fees
Mukono RDC Kasibante Hassan has reprimanded the administrators of Kojja Secondary School, a government school located in Nsanja village, Katosi Town Council, Mukono District.
The RDC discovered that the school’s administrators frequently chase away students whose parents fail to pay exorbitant fees ranging between 202,000/= and 400,000/=. Some students are even denied access to classes.
However, the school’s deputy headteacher, David Bafikirire, defended himself when questioned by the RDC, claiming that students are only sent away for failing to pay school fees. He admitted that the most affected students are those who have not paid, adding that the school struggles financially.
The RDC, upon further investigation, discovered that each student is required to pay 202,000/=, while those in boarding pay up to 400,000/=. The administrators justified the fees, saying they help manage the school, including paying 40 private teachers (only 36 are government-paid).
Kasibante further revealed that the school’s administrators have turned it into a private institution, enrolling about 100 students without the government’s knowledge while charging high fees.
After meeting with students, the RDC learned that many parents refuse to send their children to school due to the high fees imposed by the administrators. The students appealed to President Museveni to intervene.
One of the school’s gatekeepers, Pajobo Gilbert, confirmed that students are often denied entry. Meanwhile, Adam Kulazikulabe, the Deputy Mayor of Katosi Town Council, and the education officer acknowledged that while paying fees in government schools is not ideal, they argued that the administrators do so to improve learning conditions.
RDC Kasibante has now ordered the school administrators and 21 absent teachers to report to the police and record statements regarding their misconduct.
It is reported that the school has 1,700 students.
