Students have urged the government to eliminate tax levies on private education institutions and expedite the provision of free sanitary pads to schools.
During submissions to the Education Policy Review Commission’s regional consultation meeting at Masaka Senior Secondary School, students called on the government to remove obstacles that hinder learning.
Ayubu Ssekajugo, a senior six student at Masaka Secondary School, argued that government taxes on schools increase the cost of education, particularly in areas without government schools that offer universal primary and secondary education. He highlighted that many students in rural private schools struggle to compete academically due to the lack of necessary scholastic materials, which schools cannot afford because of high costs.
Currently, private schools face several taxes, including income tax, property tax, trading licenses, and income tax, which directly impact their operational expenses.
Ssekajugo suggested that the government provide subsidies on utility services and tax waivers to private schools to reduce education costs, decrease dropout rates, and improve performance and quality.
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Aboyo Margret and Joan Namugerwa, senior three and four students respectively, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to provide free sanitary pads to schools. They argued that providing sanitary pads is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for female students to stay in school and complete their education.
Free sanitary pads were part of President Yoweri Museveni’s 2016-2021 manifesto pledge to address school dropout rates and promote dignity, but the promise remains unfulfilled. The students emphasized the need for a policy directive to support the well-being of adolescent girls in primary and secondary school.
Steven Kakeeto, the Masaka City Education Officer, also called on the government to provide all necessary equipment for implementing the new education curriculum.
The Education Policy Review Commission, chaired by Retired Colonel Amanya Mushega, is currently gathering stakeholder proposals for improving the country’s education policy. Mushega indicated that these proposals will be compiled and presented to the relevant government authorities for consideration.
