KAMPALA – March 28, 2025: The Church of Uganda has firmly opposed the government’s proposal to collect school fees through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), arguing that such a move would hinder school development.
During a Thanksgiving Service held at Mengo Senior School, where outstanding schools and educators were recognized, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, reiterated the Church’s stance against the proposed fee collection method.
The Archbishop was responding to a report published in The New Vision on March 25, 2025, which revealed the government’s plan to collect fees from schools, including those established by the Church of Uganda, through URA. Subsequently, the Provincial Board of Education, led by Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe, convened on March 27, 2025, and concluded that Church of Uganda schools are not public institutions.
Citing Section 13(iii) of the Education Act 2008, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized that Church of Uganda schools are categorized as government grant-aided, not public schools. He expressed concerns over the negative implications of the proposed URA involvement and affirmed that Church of Uganda schools would not participate in the policy.
He further noted that the Board of Education recommended working with other Christian denominations under the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) to present a unified position to the government. The Archbishop also appreciated the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue, hoping for an amicable resolution.
In addition, Archbishop Kaziimba urged Church of Uganda institutions to support the Endowment Fund under the Church of Uganda Higher Learners Association (COUHELA), aimed at fostering institutional growth through savings, collaborations, and sustainable initiatives. He also called for the integration of environmental education into school programs, applauding King’s College Budo for implementing eco-friendly cooking technologies.
Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), who was the chief guest, highlighted the transformative role of digital technology in education. He encouraged educators to guide students in the responsible use of digital platforms and emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide in Church-founded schools.
Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza, Church of Uganda’s Director of Education Services, reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to advancing education through training, stakeholder engagement, and enhanced school inspections. He also called for collaboration with institutions such as Uganda Christian University (UCU) to build capacity among educators.
Mr. Grace Nantagya Ssebanakitta, Chairperson of the Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association (COUHEIA), advocated for establishing a Leadership Training Center to equip educators with essential leadership skills. He stressed that leadership development is vital for achieving academic excellence and fostering ethical governance in schools.
The event also honored distinguished individuals for their contributions to education, including the Late Bishop Prof. Michael Senyimba and several other education leaders.
