The minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, has urged parents to enroll their children in affordable universal primary and secondary schools rather than keeping them out of school due to financial constraints.
Kabanda made these remarks while officiating at the Music, Dance, and Drama event at Nakasero Primary School, themed “Ending Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Sexual Reproductive Health Rights to Enhance Learner Enrollment and School Completion.”
She noted that many parents face stress from seeking funds for expensive private schools beyond their financial capacity.
The head teacher of Nakasero Primary School, Gerald Mujasi, appealed to the government to increase the capitation grant of Shs 5.6 million per term, which he said is insufficient to support the school’s population of 2,035 pupils.
He highlighted the financial burden of monthly utility bills, including Shs 1.2 million for electricity and Shs 2.1 million for water.
Mujasi also raised concerns about the poor condition of the school’s toilets, which urgently need reconstruction.
Additionally, he cited the need for more classroom blocks to accommodate the growing student population, an increase in staff quotas, and addressing the shortage of teachers.
