Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon Betty Nambooze has lashed out at school owners over hiked tution saying it has contributed to many children from dropping out of school.
“Based on my research, a significant percentage of children are unable to attend school. This is primarily due to the financial burden on parents who can no longer afford school fees,” Nambooze made the remarks on Tuesday while appearing on NBS TV’s Barometer program.
She raised the issue is even a bigger burden because government-aided schools now charge higher fees compared to private schools.
She said in some schools the cost of education for a senior one student exceeds that of university tuition.
Nambooze was commenting on what to expect in President Museveni’s State of the Nation Address slated for Wednesday. She anticipated the President’s speech will reiterate around the same points as before but filled with lots of empty promises.
“President Museveni will persist in making promises and discussing the potential benefits of oil for the country. It’s the same rhetoric we have heard before and he might not delve into the Somalia issue in great detail.”
The MP however, suggested the President should put more focus on addressing current burning issues in the country including the UPDF soldiers that were killed in Somalia in addition, to loopholes in other sectors including that of health.
She said as per now patients are required to pay for scans in all government hospitals. Minor complications are charged UGX 120,000, while more serious complications cost UGX 150,000. She said these fees are too high for a common individual to meet.
“Furthermore, Naguru Hospital has had its water supply disconnected due to the inability to pay water bills. Regrettably, numerous other hospitals across the country are also facing water scarcity,” she added.