- Parents complained after students were allegedly required to pay between Shs150,000 and Shs200,000.
- Authorities say some learners were sent home after their families failed to meet the payment demands.
- The incident has raised questions about financial accountability and access to education in government-aided schools.
Four teachers at Kibanda Secondary School in Uganda’s Kiryandongo District have reportedly been arrested following allegations that learners were subjected to unauthorised school charges, in a case that has reignited debate over financial accountability and equitable access to education in government-aided schools.
The controversy reportedly emerged after parents raised concerns that students were being required to pay between Shs150,000 and Shs200,000, with allegations that some learners who failed to raise the money were sent home.
The claims prompted intervention by Kiryandongo Assistant Resident District Commissioner Sam Mbabazi, who reportedly ordered the arrests after school officials failed to provide what authorities considered a satisfactory explanation for the alleged charges.
The school’s headteacher, Sarah Ssekalumba, was also reportedly being sought in connection with the matter.
Parents are at the centre of the controversy, with allegations that families were required to make substantial payments despite Kibanda Secondary School being government-aided.
One parent, Robert Anyenjo, reportedly stated that parents were asked to sign agreements committing them to pay the demanded amounts.
For families already facing financial constraints, such charges can present a significant barrier to education. Sending learners home due to an inability to meet payment demands may disrupt learning and place vulnerable students at risk of falling behind academically.
The allegations have therefore raised critical questions regarding who authorised the charges, how the funds were being collected and whether the payments received the necessary approval from relevant education authorities.
Assistant RDC Sam Mbabazi reportedly took a firm stance on the matter, emphasising that government-aided schools must not impose unauthorised fees on learners.
The intervention reflects a broader concern within the public education system: while schools require adequate resources to function effectively, any financial obligations imposed on parents must comply with government regulations and established procedures.
Where legitimate contributions are required, parents must be provided with clear information regarding their purpose, authorisation and accountability mechanisms. Conversely, unauthorised charges risk undermining public trust in the education system and placing undue financial pressure on families.
Kiryandongo District Education Officer Edward Kiirya reportedly stated that he was unaware of the alleged charges, further deepening concerns about institutional oversight and compliance monitoring.
Accountability and due process
Although the arrests have drawn attention to the four teachers, the matter raises broader governance and accountability concerns.
The central question is whether learners in a government-aided institution were subjected to unauthorised financial demands and, if so, who was responsible for authorising or enforcing them.
It is important to emphasise that an arrest does not constitute proof of guilt. The allegations remain subject to investigation and determination through appropriate legal and administrative processes. All individuals implicated are entitled to due process and a fair opportunity to respond to the claims.
The case also highlights the operational challenges faced by schools. While institutions require funding for maintenance, learning materials, utilities and other essential services, such needs must be addressed within the framework of approved policies and cannot justify unauthorised charges.
One of the most concerning aspects of the allegations is the reported impact on learners.
When a child is sent home due to an inability to meet financial demands, the immediate consequence is loss of instructional time. Repeated disruptions can negatively affect academic performance, attendance and student engagement.
For learners from low-income households, such practices risk exacerbating existing inequalities in access to quality education.
The responsibility to safeguard learners from unnecessary disruption therefore extends beyond individual teachers to include school management, district education authorities and the broader education governance system.
Wider lesson for schools
The Kibanda incident serves as a reminder that financial accountability is a fundamental component of effective school management.
School administrators are custodians of public resources and are expected to operate within systems that demand transparency, proper authorisation and strict accountability.
Any financial contributions requested from parents must have a legitimate basis, be clearly communicated and be subject to appropriate oversight.
For teachers, the case underscores the importance of professional responsibility, which includes adherence to education regulations and institutional policies in addition to classroom duties.
For parents, it reinforces the need to seek clarification and report any suspected irregularities in school financial practices to the relevant authorities.
The Kibanda controversy carries implications beyond Uganda.
Across East Africa, governments continue to pursue policies aimed at expanding access to affordable public education. However, the effectiveness of these policies depends not only on national commitments but also on implementation at the school level.
Education policies promoting accessibility can be undermined if families encounter unexpected charges, lack transparency in financial requirements or face exclusion from learning due to inability to pay.
The challenge, therefore, lies in balancing the need to adequately fund schools with the imperative of ensuring that education remains accessible and free from unauthorised financial barriers.
The reported arrests should thus be viewed not only as a disciplinary matter involving four teachers, but also as part of a broader discussion on school governance, financial transparency, institutional accountability and the protection of learners’ right to education.
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For now, the allegations surrounding Kibanda Secondary School remain subject to due process. However, the central message emerging from the controversy is clear: public education demands strict accountability, and no learner should be deprived of classroom time due to unexplained or unauthorised financial requirements.
By Hillary Muhalya
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