By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The opposition party, FDC, has called on the government to eliminate examination registration fees charged by the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB).
FDC spokesperson, John Kikonyogo, cited the struggles of private school students who miss exams due to exorbitant fees. He emphasized the government’s role in ensuring access to education for all citizens.
The call follows numerous reports of candidates who are missing to sit for their final exams after headteachers, and some school directors misused the registration fee which was charged from parents. FDC argues that scrapping of examination fee for all education levels, both primary and secondary will lift payment burden on the already poor parents and guardians who struggle to raise school fees.
Meanwhile, Kikonyogo urged parliament to enact laws punishing school heads who misuse exam funds. He also called for UNEB to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to remove registration fees, considering its yearly budgetary allocations.
UNEB Registration Fees:
• Primary Leaving Examination (PLE): 34,000 shillings
• Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE): 164,000 shillings
• Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE): 186,000 shillings
Late Registration Fees:
• PLE: 68,000 shillings (surcharge)
• UCE: 246,000 shillings (surcharge)
• UACE: 279,000 shillings (surcharge)
It should be noted that late registration fees are applicable to candidates who miss the regular registration deadline.
