Minister Ogwang Cracks Whip On Illegal School Fees, Vows Tough Enforcement

 January 4, 2026   |    78 views

By Our Reporter | Ngariam Focus

AKOBOI SEED SECONDARY SCHOOL, AKOBOI SUBCOUNTY – Ngariam County MP and Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has issued a no-nonsense warning to headteachers in government schools, declaring that the era of illegal school fees is coming to an end.

Speaking at Akoboi Seed Secondary School in Akoboi Subcounty, Ogwang reaffirmed government’s position that free primary and secondary education is non-negotiable, cautioning school administrators who continue to defy the policy.

“Free Education Is Not A Suggestion”

The minister said government has invested heavily in Universal Primary and Secondary Education, and any attempt to shift the burden to parents amounts to sabotage of national policy.
“Any headteacher found charging additional fees will be arrested and sacked,” Ogwang warned, drawing loud applause from the crowd. He added that by July, enforcement would move from warnings to action. “We have talked enough.

Compliance Is No longer Optional.”

Ogwang stressed that President Museveni’s commitment to free education must be respected at all levels of implementation.

Illegal Charges Fuel Dropouts

Hon. Ogwang attributed rising school dropout rates to unauthorized levies imposed on parents, including church contributions and costs for constructing teachers’ houses.
“These illegal charges are pushing children out of school, especially those from poor households,” he said. “Headteachers and some local leaders must stop exploiting parents in the name of development.”
He described the practice as unacceptable and counterproductive to government’s goal of improving access to education.

Leaders Back Tough Stance

The minister was accompanied by several senior leaders, including Katakwi District NRM Chairman Mr. Okiror, Deputy RDC Kapelebyong Emmy Ojirot, and LC3 Chairpersons from Akoboi and Okore subcounties.

The leaders echoed Ogwang’s message, calling on school administrators to strictly adhere to government guidelines.

Residents welcomed the minister’s firm position, expressing hope that the crackdown would keep children in school and ease the financial burden on families.

As chants and ululations filled the school grounds, Ogwang’s message was clear: free education is government policy, and defiance will no longer be tolerated.