Napak District Local Government has directed head teachers of government-aided schools to stop charging learners unauthorized fees and demanding money or other contributions from parents. The directive is contained in a September 17, 2026 letter signed by Chief Administrative Officer Robert Abia Owiili, following concerns raised by members of the public during community engagement meetings over illegal charges imposed by schools.
Among the charges cited by the district are Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) contributions, development fees, examination fees, remedial lesson fees, registration fees and boarding fees, as well as demands for cement and other items from parents. Owiili said the Education Act provides for free education under government programmes and prohibits schools implementing Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Post-Primary Education and Training (UPPET) from levying charges, except in specific circumstances provided for under the law.
He directed all head teachers to stop imposing unauthorized charges immediately, warning that those who fail to comply will face disciplinary action. “All Head teachers are directed to desist from unauthorized charges contrary to the Government of Uganda policy/laws, and non-compliance will attract punitive disciplinary action,” Owiili said in the letter.
However, Andrew Moit Loucho, the LC5 councillor representing Napak Town Council, said regular inspections must back the directive to ensure that schools actually comply. Loucho warned that continued charging of fees and other unauthorized costs could worsen school dropout in Karamoja, where many families struggle to meet basic education-related expenses.
“When you continue charging fees in Karamoja, you drive learners out of school because many families cannot afford these charges. This is a community that is still trying to catch up with education, so we need to make sure that children remain in school,” Loucho said.
He called on education inspectors to regularly visit schools and verify compliance, arguing that government directives should not remain on paper. “The directive has been given, but education inspection must be active. These orders should not only remain on paper. There must be follow-up and inspection to ensure that schools are complying,” he said.
The Directorate of Education Standards is mandated to conduct planned school inspections and monitor compliance with education standards. The Napak Chief Administrative Officer also tasked the District Education Officer with overseeing implementation of the directive, supervising compliance and reporting accordingly-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
