The Church of Uganda has firmly opposed the government’s proposal to have school fees collected through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), warning that such a move would significantly hinder school development.
This position was declared on Friday, March 28, during a thanksgiving service at Mengo Secondary School.
The service, organized by the Directorate of Education Services, honored outstanding schools and individuals contributing to the education sector.
During the event, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, strongly reaffirmed the Church’s stance against the proposal.
His remarks came in response to a report published by New Vision on March 25, 2025, which revealed the government’s plans to collect school fees through URA, a move that would affect even Church of Uganda-founded schools.
Following this development, the Church’s Provincial Board of Education, chaired by Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe, convened on March 27, 2025, and resolved that Church of Uganda schools should not be classified as public institutions.
“According to Section 13(iii) of the Education Act 2008, these institutions are classified as government grant-aided schools,” Archbishop Kaziimba stated.
“The Board highlighted numerous detrimental effects of the URA arrangement and, therefore, declared that Church of Uganda schools shall not be part of this policy,” he added.
To address the matter further, he added, “Additionally, the Board of Education recommended engaging with sister churches under the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) to collectively advise the government on the matter.”
Despite the Church’s opposition to the proposal, Archbishop Kaziimba expressed appreciation for the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and hoped that a mutually beneficial resolution would be reached.
Beyond the policy dispute, the Archbishop urged Church of Uganda institutions to embrace the Endowment Fund under the Church of Uganda Higher Learners Association (COUHELA).
The initiative aims to bolster financial stability in schools through savings, partnerships, and sustainable projects, ensuring support for infrastructure development, scholarships, and innovation.
He also called upon Church of Uganda schools to take a proactive role in environmental conservation. Highlighting recent environmental campaigns conducted in March, where schools planted trees and educated communities, he emphasized the importance of integrating environmental education into school curricula and securing land for sustainable green projects.
Recognizing efforts in environmental stewardship, he commended King’s College Budo for pioneering eco-friendly cooking technologies, which reduce deforestation, enhance health, and cut operational costs. He urged other schools to follow this example by 2026
