The Church of Uganda has opposed the government’s proposal to collect school fees through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), arguing that the move would hinder school development.
Speaking at Mengo Senior School during a Thanksgiving Service for the Directorate of Education Services—an event recognizing outstanding schools and individuals in the education sector—Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, reaffirmed the Church’s firm stance against the proposal.
His remarks followed a report published in The New Vision on March 25, 2025, indicating that the government, through URA, planned to collect fees from schools, including those founded by the Church of Uganda.
In response, the Provincial Board of Education, chaired by Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe, convened on March 27, 2025, and resolved that Church of Uganda schools are not public institutions.
“According to Section 13(iii) of the Education Act 2008, these institutions are classified as government grant-aided schools. The Board highlighted numerous detrimental effects of the URA arrangement and, therefore, declared that Church of Uganda schools shall not be part of this policy,” Archbishop Kaziimba stated.
He added, “Additionally, the Board of Education recommended engaging with sister churches under the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) to collectively advise the government on the matter.”
Archbishop Kaziimba expressed gratitude for the government’s openness to dialogue and hoped for an amicable resolution.
Promoting Financial Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
The Archbishop encouraged Church of Uganda institutions to support the Endowment Fund under the Church of Uganda Higher Learners Association (COUHELA). The fund aims to empower institutions through savings, partnerships, and sustainable projects, providing financial support for infrastructure, scholarships, and innovation.
He also emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship in Church of Uganda schools. Highlighting recent environmental campaigns in March, where schools planted trees and educated communities, he urged schools to integrate environmental education into their curricula and secure land for green projects.
Commending King’s College Budo for pioneering eco-friendly cooking technologies, he noted that these innovations reduce deforestation, improve health, and lower costs. He encouraged other schools to adopt similar measures by 2026.
Embracing Digital Transformation in Education
Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Chief Guest at the event, urged educators to embrace the digital revolution, emphasizing that artificial intelligence is transforming education.
He noted that teachers are no longer the sole depositories of knowledge but facilitators of knowledge management, as learners today have vast access to information, often surpassing their teachers.
Additionally, he stressed that information communication technology (ICT) has become a household necessity, with children increasingly exposed to smartphones and digital content. He urged teachers to guide students in responsible usage of digital platforms and information consumption.
Strengthening Education Through Partnerships
Church of Uganda’s Director of Education Services, Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza, reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to improving education through rigorous training on the new curriculum in collaboration with the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC), sensitization campaigns for Church of Uganda school stakeholders, and enhanced school inspections with a well-equipped team.
He also emphasized strengthening partnerships with institutions like Uganda Christian University (UCU) to enhance institutional capacity. He commended UCU for launching an Administrative Law Course for headteachers, aimed at equipping school leaders with legal knowledge and best practices in service delivery.
Dr. Kakooza also called upon UCC to collaborate with the Church of Uganda Directorate of Education to bridge the digital divide in Church-founded schools.
Call for Leadership Training in Schools
Mr. Grace Nantagya Ssebanakitta, Chairperson of the Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association (COUHEIA) and Headteacher of Mengo Senior School, emphasized the need to establish a Leadership Training Center. This center would equip teachers, headteachers, and the younger generation with the necessary leadership skills to effectively manage schools and contribute to society.
“As educators, we must invest in leadership training to ensure that our schools are not just centers of learning but also hubs of ethical leadership and innovation,” Mr. Ssebanakitta stated.
He added, “A Leadership Training Center will empower teachers and headteachers with the skills needed to navigate the evolving education landscape while instilling values of responsibility, integrity, and service in the next generation.”
Honoring Contributions to Education
The event also recognized distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to education, including the Late Bishop Prof. Michael Senyimba, Mr. Nsumba Lyazi, Canon Elijah Kiyingi, Mrs. Irene Kawuma Kisaka, Dr. Grace Baguma, and Mrs. Busingye Merabuh.
The Thanksgiving Service was attended by key leaders, including the Provincial Chairperson of the Board of Education and Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, the Bishop of Kitgum Diocese, Rt. Rev. Wilson Kitara, Diocesan Education Coordinators, and headteachers from Church of Uganda-founded schools.
