Church of Uganda Calls for Dialogue Over Government’s Controversial School Fees Proposal

The Church of Uganda has firmly opposed the government’s proposal to collect school fees through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), arguing that the policy would negatively impact the development of schools.

During a thanksgiving service at Mengo Senior School, where outstanding schools and individuals in the education sector were recognized, Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu reiterated the Church’s rejection of the proposal. He was responding to reports that the government intended to channel school fees collection through URA, including fees from Church-founded schools.

Following this revelation, the Church of Uganda’s Provincial Board of Education, led by Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe, convened a meeting on March 27, 2025. The board resolved that Church-founded schools are not public institutions. Citing Section 13(iii) of the Education Act of 2008, the board emphasized that these schools fall under the category of government grant-aided institutions. The board outlined several negative consequences of the URA fee collection plan and, as a result, declared that Church of Uganda schools would not participate in the policy.

Archbishop Kaziimba further stated that the Board of Education recommended engaging with other Christian denominations under the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) to provide a unified stance and advise the government on the matter. He expressed appreciation for the government’s willingness to engage in discussions and hoped the issue would be resolved amicably.

Additionally, the Archbishop encouraged Church of Uganda institutions to support the Endowment Fund, a financial initiative under the Church of Uganda Higher Learners Association (COUHELA). This fund aims to strengthen educational institutions by promoting savings, fostering partnerships, and developing sustainable projects. The initiative is expected to provide financial support for infrastructure improvements, scholarships, and innovation within Church-founded schools.

Kaziimba also urged Church schools to embrace environmental stewardship. He highlighted the success of recent environmental awareness campaigns held in March, where schools actively planted trees and educated communities on sustainability. He called for the integration of environmental education into school curricula and encouraged schools to allocate land for green projects.

He commended King’s College Budo for leading the way in adopting eco-friendly cooking technologies, which have helped reduce deforestation, improve health, and lower operational costs. The Archbishop encouraged other Church of Uganda schools to implement similar initiatives by 2026.

The event’s chief guest, Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), emphasized the importance of embracing digital transformation in education. He noted that artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the sector, shifting teachers’ roles from being sole sources of knowledge to facilitators of learning. He pointed out that students today have vast access to information and stressed the need for teachers to guide them in using digital resources responsibly.

Church of Uganda’s Director of Education Services, Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza, reaffirmed the directorate’s commitment to improving education through training on the new curriculum, sensitization campaigns, and enhanced school inspections. He also emphasized the need for partnerships with institutions such as Uganda Christian University (UCU) to build institutional capacity.

Mr. Grace Nantagya Ssebanakitta, Chairperson of the Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association (COUHEIA) and Headteacher of Mengo Senior School, proposed the establishment of a Leadership Training Center. He stressed that such a center would equip teachers, headteachers, and students with leadership skills essential for effective school management and societal contribution.

The event concluded with the recognition of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to education. Among those honored were the Late Bishop Prof. Michael Senyimba, Mr. Nsumba Lyazi, Canon Elijah Kiyingi, Mrs. Irene Kawuma Kisaka, Dr. Grace Baguma, and Mrs. Busingye Merabuh.

The thanksgiving service was attended by key education leaders, including the Provincial Chairperson of the Board of Education and Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, the Bishop of Kitgum Diocese, Rt. Rev. Wilson Kitara, as well as Diocesan Education Coordinators and headteachers from Church of Uganda-founded schools.