Hon. Ronald Mutengo, Member of Parliament Bunyole East Butaleja district, has asked Minister of Local Government Hon. Balaam Barugahara to withdraw a directive barring head teachers of government schools from charging parents money, warning that the measure could affect education standards.
Hon. Mutengo said parents have a responsibility to support their children's welfare at school and contribute towards needs that government funding does not adequately cover, including meals, fencing and paying hired teachers.
He noted that government schools receive limited capitation grants, making parents' contribution important in meeting costs for facilitating support staff like hired teachers, meals, examinations through Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to fill staffing gaps.
"Parents and school managements who formed PTA fees are not mad," he quoted.
Mutengo made the remarks while reacting to the directive that stopped PTA charges in government-aided schools.
Hon.Mutengo revealed that Hon. Balaam Barugahara previously during his campaign of exposing corruption in Butaleja arrested some head teachers due to charging fees.
Mutengo said the Minister's action caused fear among head teachers and has affected school operations in the district.
He warned that if the ban is not lifted, many schools will collapse due to lack of funds to pay teachers and provide meals.
The legislator called for dialogue between government and parents to agree on affordable contributions that can sustain education standards.
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