Private school proprietors in Mityana District have raised concern over the unusually low number of learners reporting back at the start of the new school term, attributing the situation to misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
According to Alex Mayanja, spokesperson for private school owners in the district, many parents were misled by false messages claiming that classes would officially resume in June, causing confusion and delaying learners’ return to school.
Mayanja described the situation as troubling, particularly for privately owned institutions that rely almost entirely on tuition fees to meet operational costs.
“A number of parents were misinformed through social media posts indicating that schools would reopen in June,” Mayanja said.
“As a result, many learners have not reported back on time, and this has greatly affected our operations.”
He noted that unlike government-aided schools, private institutions depend on timely school fees payments to pay teachers’ salaries, utilities, rent, and statutory obligations.
“Private schools survive on fees collected each term. When learners delay reporting, it becomes extremely difficult to meet our financial responsibilities,” he added.
The proprietors are now appealing to government for temporary relief measures, including tax waivers or reductions on statutory payments, to cushion them during what they describe as a financially strained period.
“We are requesting government to consider tax relief and support on statutory obligations so that schools can remain operational,” Mayanja said. “Without intervention, some institutions may struggle to stay afloat.”
He also urged parents to verify information from credible sources such as official Ministry of Education and Sports communications, rather than relying on unverified social media messages.
School administrators maintain that timely reporting is critical not only for academic continuity but also for institutional stability, as prolonged delays disrupt learning schedules, lesson planning, and financial forecasting for the term.
