School Fees Storm: Viral Video Sparks Debate Over the Rising Cost of Education in Uganda

By Uganda Today Reporter

A video making rounds on social media has reignited public debate about the escalating cost of education in Uganda, with parents expressing concern over school fees structures and lengthy requirements lists issued by some private educational institutions.

The video, which combines aerial footage of school premises with screenshots of admission and fees circulars from various institutions, paints a picture of the financial burden many families face in securing quality education for their children.

Parents Grapple with Increasing Education Costs

Among the documents featured in the video are school requirements and fee structures from private primary and secondary schools, some indicating tuition and boarding-related costs running into well over Shs1 million per term.

The video also showcases extensive lists of items demanded from learners, including bedding, toiletries, uniforms, footwear, stationery, cleaning materials, and other personal effects required for boarding students.

For many parents, the cumulative cost of fees and mandatory requirements has become a major source of concern amid prevailing economic challenges.

Comparison with University Tuition Raises Eyebrows

One of the striking elements of the video is the inclusion of a fee schedule attributed to Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and largest public university.

The comparison appears intended to highlight what some social media users view as a growing paradox: in certain cases, the annual cost of educating a child in private primary or secondary school can rival—or even exceed—the tuition charged for some university programmes.

The comparison has triggered spirited online discussions about affordability, accessibility, and the commercialization of education.

Private Schools Defend Their Costs

Education stakeholders have often argued that private schools incur substantial operational expenses, including teacher salaries, infrastructure development, utilities, feeding programmes, security, healthcare services, and co-curricular activities.

Many institutions maintain that fees are structured to sustain service delivery and ensure learners receive quality education in increasingly competitive academic environments.

School administrators also point to inflation and rising commodity prices as key factors influencing their fee adjustments.

Balancing Quality and Affordability

The debate highlighted by the viral video reflects a broader national conversation about balancing educational quality with affordability.

While parents desire the best learning environments for their children, many continue to call for greater transparency in school fee structures and more affordable education options.

Education experts argue that sustainable solutions will require collaboration among government, private school proprietors, parents, and policymakers to ensure that quality education remains within reach of ordinary Ugandan families.

A Reflection of Wider Economic Pressures

Beyond the education sector, the concerns raised in the video mirror the broader cost-of-living pressures facing households across the country.

As a new academic term approaches, many parents are once again confronted with the challenge of meeting school-related expenses while juggling other essential family needs.

Whether the video ultimately leads to policy discussions or remains a social media talking point, it has succeeded in drawing attention to one of the most pressing issues affecting Ugandan families today—the rising cost of educating a child.

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