UMSC introduces foundation fees for government-aided Muslim schools

By Ahmed Idriss

‎‎Government-aided Muslim-founded schools across Uganda will begin charging a mandatory foundation fee starting this term following new guidelines issued by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) to bridge funding gaps and improve the management of the institutions.

‎‎Under the new guidelines, every pupil in government-aided primary schools will pay a foundation fee of Shs 5,000 per term, while students in government-aided secondary schools will pay Shs 10,000 per term. The directive, which takes immediate effect, applies to all government grant-aided Muslim-founded schools under UMSC.

‎‎The guidelines, issued by the UMSC Education and Sports Department, say the funds will enable the Council to fulfil its constitutional mandate of supervising, supporting and developing Muslim-founded schools across the country.

They also cite inadequate government funding under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programmes to meet schools’ operational and development needs.

‎‎UMSC Education Secretary Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu said the Council appreciates the government’s continued investment in free education but noted that schools still face significant financial challenges.

‎‎”We sincerely appreciate the Government of Uganda for its continued commitment to providing free education through the UPE and USE programmes. These initiatives have significantly increased access to education, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and have contributed to reducing school dropout rates,” Cucu said.

‎‎He added that the government capitation grants alone are insufficient to sustain quality education.

‎‎”Notwithstanding this commendable government support, the funding provided under these programmes does not fully meet the operational, administrative and developmental requirements necessary for schools to deliver quality education and maintain acceptable standards,” Cucu said.

‎‎Besides the foundation fee, the guidelines require all learners to participate in school lunch programmes and pay charges approved by their respective schools. Students will also be required to purchase and wear the officially approved school uniform.

‎‎The circular further authorises School Management Committees (SMCs) and Boards of Governors (BOGs) to approve additional reasonable charges where necessary to cover costs such as salaries for privately employed staff, utilities, infrastructure maintenance, learning materials, sanitation, security and other operational expenses.

‎Cucu, however, emphasised that any additional charges must be fair and considerate of parents’ financial circumstances.

‎‎”All charges approved by the SMC or BOG shall be reasonable, transparent and justifiable, taking into consideration the socio-economic circumstances of parents and guardians,” he said.

‎‎He urged school administrators to implement the new guidelines responsibly and ensure prudent management of the funds collected.

‎‎”Financial accountability, transparency and prudent management of all funds collected shall be upheld at all times in accordance with Government regulations and UMSC policies. We remain confident that your cooperation will contribute to strengthening our schools and improving educational outcomes for the benefit of our learners and the wider community,” he said.