As schools across the country reopen for the first term, parents have appealed to the government to reduce taxes on scholastic materials, citing rising living costs that make it difficult for many families to send children back to school.
On the first day of term, several schools reported notably low learner turnout. Parents attributed the situation to the high prices of essential school items such as books, uniforms, and stationery, compounded by economic hardship.
A visit to Lugoba High School and God’s Way High School in Maganjo revealed learners arriving in small numbers, many reporting gradually as schools resumed normal operations.
At school gates, learners were checked to ensure they had the required learning materials before being allowed to proceed.
“We are struggling to raise school fees and buy all the materials at once,” said one parent. “The taxes on scholastic items make everything more expensive. We are asking the government to consider reducing them so our children can study without delay.”
Other parents echoed similar concerns, saying economic pressures have forced some families to delay sending children back to school.
School administrators confirmed the low turnout, noting that although the term has officially begun, many learners are yet to report.
“The numbers are still very low, but we are hopeful that more learners will come in the coming days,” said Shariah Nabanja, headteacher of one of the schools visited.
Nabanja urged parents not to keep children at home because of the current economic challenges, describing the situation as temporary.
“We appeal to parents to bring their children back to school. Education should not be interrupted, even as families navigate these difficult times,” she said.
Education stakeholders continue to call for government intervention to ease the burden on parents, warning that prolonged delays in school reporting could negatively affect learners’ academic progress if economic challenges persist.