UPC urges compassion as schools resume amid economic struggles

As learners prepare to resume the third term, the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) has expressed concerns over the economic hardships affecting many families, urging schools to be accommodating toward parents struggling with school fees.

Sharon Oyat Arach, the UPC spokesperson, highlighted the socio-economic challenges that have left many parents unable to clear outstanding fees from previous terms.

"A significant number of parents are still grappling with school fee balances from the 1st term. The Party calls on school authorities to consider the economic situation and kindly allow parents to clear their children’s dues in instalments," Arach stated.

The UPC emphasized that allowing parents to pay in instalments would reduce pressure on students, particularly in this critical term, which is essential for Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) candidates and student promotions.

Arach also urged parents to strive to meet their financial responsibilities to ensure that students remain focused and productive in their studies.

"There is still a lot to cover in the syllabus before our pupils and students sit for their end-of-year exams. This calls for collective effort, total focus, and commitment at all levels," she added.

The UPC further stressed the importance of a well-resourced education system, calling on the Ministry of Education and Sports to address the shortage of instructional materials like textbooks and visual aids.

"Schools should not be suffering from the issue of textbook-to-student ratios or teacher-to-student ratios at this critical time," Arach emphasized.

Regarding school safety, Arach voiced concerns over recent incidents of fires in schools and urged authorities to prioritize security measures, including installing fire detectors, thunder deflectors, and ensuring timely responses from the police and fire brigade.

She recommended regular safety checks in all learning institutions.

As students return to class, the UPC also appealed to scholastic materials suppliers to avoid irrational price hikes for essential items such as books, uniforms, and shoes.

"Service providers are urged not to hike prices, a practice that has become common as students report back to school," Arach noted.

She concluded by reiterating the importance of cooperation between parents, teachers, and the government in creating a conducive learning environment during these challenging times.