Government Implements Ban of Commercial Examinations in Government Schools

The Ministry of Education is implementing a ban on the practice of buying examinations from examination bureaus in government-aided schools, as part of implementing the presidential directive on free education.

In a 2019 letter, Permanent Secretary Ismael Mulindwa instructed all town clerks, inspectors of schools, and chief administrative officers to enforce the ban. However, implementation has been slow, with some officials not taking action.

According to Mulindwa’s letter, schools are using these examinations to frustrate parents with excessive fees, claiming they need to buy monthly tests, weekly tests, end-of-term exams, and other assessments. However, government schools with universal education receive sufficient funding per student through UPE or USE grants.

Jimmy Nambilo, Head State House Education Desk, told our reporter on Thursday, 26th March, 2026 that the directive has been in place since 2019, but implementation is now being prioritized.

He says pressure will be applied to town clerks and CAOs to ensure DEOs and inspectors enforce the ban at schools.

Mbale district officials, including CAO Angella Akurut and RDC Stanley Bayole, have received the directive and are taking action. Bayole warns that anyone defying the directive will be arrested.