Mbale City –

The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has visited Nkoma Secondary School in Mbale City following complaints from parents and students regarding school fees, student welfare, and the condition of the school’s infrastructure.

Nkoma Secondary School, which is under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), has recently been the subject of concerns raised by members of the school community. During the minister’s visit, parents alleged that they were being required to pay school fees ranging from UGX 100,000 to UGX 190,000, despite what they said was a government directive intended to ease the financial burden on learners.

Students also raised concerns about disciplinary practices at the school, claiming that they are subjected to excessive corporal punishment. The minister listened to the concerns presented by both parents and students during his inspection.

Another major issue highlighted during the visit was the condition of one of the school’s classroom buildings. According to the minister, a two-storey structure that had reportedly been condemned is still being used by students and staff. He described the continued occupation of the building as a serious safety risk that could endanger the lives of learners and teachers.

In response, Hon. Balaam directed the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate the circumstances surrounding the construction of the building, including the role of the engineer responsible for supervising or executing the project, to establish whether there was negligence or any misuse of public resources.

The minister also instructed the school’s Board of Directors and the headteacher to prepare a formal document addressed to the Minister of Education and Sports and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, seeking additional government funding to address the school’s infrastructure and operational challenges.

As an interim measure, Hon. Balaam called on the school management to halt the collection of the disputed fees while the issues raised are being addressed by the relevant authorities.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that schools provide a safe learning environment, comply with government policies, and uphold the rights and welfare of learners. He noted that the concerns raised during the visit would be followed up through the appropriate government institutions to ensure accountability and lasting solutions.