By Jumah Kakomo
The Opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Party has appealed to the government to conduct a thorough inspection of all schools, both public and private to identify potential hazards and take corrective measures.
This comes with just a few days to officially commence term three of Education.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday at party headquarters Kampala, the party spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon revealed that with the recent incidents of fire outbreaks, collapses, and other accidents in schools, it is imperative that the government takes immediate action to ensure the safety of the pupils and students.
Sharon says it is unacceptable that pupils and student’s lives are put at risk due to negligence and lack of investment in school infrastructure. She emphasized that the government must prioritize their safety and well-being.”
Arach also demanded that the government provides adequate resources and support to schools to address the safety concerns, including training for teachers and staff on emergency preparedness and response.
“The UPC believes that every child deserves a safe and conducive learning environment, we will continue to hold the government accountable for ensuring the safety and security of our schools.” Sharon said.
Sharob also expressed concerns about the exorbitant fees charged by schools saying the government’s inaction has allowed schools to charge astronomical fees, leaving many parents and guardians struggling to make ends meet which she says is unacceptable and unsustainable.
Arach called on the government to regulate the rate at which schools charge fees, citing the need for affordable education. She proposed the establishment of a fee regulatory body to monitor and control school fees, ensuring they are reasonable and aligned with the economic reality of Ugandan families.
“The UPC believes that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege for the wealthy few,” Arach emphasized. “The government must intervene to prevent schools from exploiting parents and denying children their right to education due to financial constraints.”
Arach also urged the government to increase funding for public schools, providing them with the necessary resources to offer quality education at an affordable cost.
“The current situation is a ticking time bomb, where parents are forced to choose between feeding their families and paying school fees,” Arach warned. “The government must act now to prevent a crisis in the education sector.”
