OPINION: My Child Is Back at School, but My Bank Account Is Still on Holiday

What the report says

Nile Post published an opinion piece about the financial strain many Ugandan parents face as schools reopen for third term. The article says the term began on September 14 and highlights the recurring pressure of tuition, uniforms, transport, books and other requirements, especially when household incomes do not match the timing of school-fee bills.

The commentary cites remarks attributed to Acting Education Minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, who reportedly urged parents with delayed salaries to speak to schools rather than keep children at home. It also points to broader education-cost data, including a UNESCO review and Uganda Bureau of Statistics figures, to argue that schooling consumes a significant share of household spending. The piece notes that Uganda has more than 13.5 million learners, with many families facing the same term-by-term challenge.

The author argues that schools also operate under budget pressures and depend partly on parental contributions because government funding is limited. However, the article says children should not be sent home over unpaid fees, since that can cause embarrassment and disrupt learning. It cites examples from schools in Tororo where enrolment was lower than expected at reopening, with fee difficulties among the reasons mentioned.

Overall, the piece recommends early planning, small savings over time, and open communication with schools when payment problems arise. It also encourages parents to help older children understand that education carries real costs, while recognizing that many families are under strain and may need flexible payment arrangements.