Church of Uganda Bishops Condemn Arrest of Headteachers Over Lunch Fees

What the report says

Church of Uganda bishops in Buganda have criticised government over the arrest of headteachers linked to school lunch fees, saying the action amounts to interference in the running of Church-founded schools. The concern was raised at a bishops’ meeting held at Namirembe Guest House and chaired by the Bishop of Mukono, the Rt Rev Enos Kitto Kagodo.

According to Nile Post, the bishops said government support for these schools, including infrastructure, teacher training and learning materials, was welcome, but that arresting school leaders over feeding arrangements was unacceptable. They argued that decisions on meals should be handled by school management committees and parents, and said such arrests weaken the authority of headteachers before learners, teachers and parents.

The statement was read by the Bishop of West Buganda, the Rt Rev Gaster Nsereko, who also serves as secretary of the Council of Bishops in Buganda. The bishops said school meals help children concentrate and should be treated as a welfare issue. They urged government and school administrators to settle disputes through dialogue rather than arrests.

The bishops also warned that if what they see as continued disregard for school governance structures persists, the Church could consider reclaiming direct management of its schools in Buganda. More broadly, the issue reflects ongoing tension over how Church-founded schools balance autonomy with state oversight in Uganda.