Amolatar district local government has issued a decisive directive to all head teachers of government-aided primary and secondary schools, ordering an immediate halt to the collection of unauthorised school fees and funds from parents.

The directive was issued in an official circular dated September 14, 2026, signed by Vuciri Geoffrey on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Amolatar, Rhoda Oroma.

At series of community meetings convened by district leadership, members of the public raised serious concerns regarding widespread illegal charges imposed on pupils and students.

According to district authorities, the prohibited charges being levied by schools include, but are not limited to: development fees, examination and registration fees; PTA contributions and boarding fees.

Others are remedial lesson and extra lesson fees; Mock examination fees and other charges not provided for in the Education Act.

The circular emphasises that Section 9 (1-3) of the Education Act strictly provides for free education and explicitly prohibits schools from charging learners or parents any fees, except where specific authority is granted in accordance with existing laws.

“In view of the above, all Head Teachers, PTA, SMC (School Management Committees), and BOG (Board of Governors) are directed to desist from unauthorised charges contrary to the Government of Uganda policy and laws,” the statement reads.

The district leadership further warned that non-compliance with this directive will attract “punitive disciplinary action.”

To ensure strict enforcement of the order, the District Education Officer (DEO) has been tasked with overseeing the directive, supervising compliance across all affected institutions, and reporting back to the district administration.

Copies of the directive were copied to key oversight offices, including the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), the District Chairperson, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), and the Head of Internal Audit, signaling a coordinated monitoring effort to protect parents from financial exploitation.