Parents Reject UGX 15k PTA Fee at Hassa Memorial, Cite Lack of Accountability

By Our reporter

Tension and mixed reactions rocked the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Annual General Meeting of Hassa Memorial Primary School in Adok Sub-county, Dokolo District on Friday, as parents unanimously rejected a proposed UGX 15,000 development fee per child.

The fee, part of a resolution passed by the Adok Sub-county Council, was meant to support infrastructure and general development across all eight government-aided primary schools in the sub-county. However, parents of Hassa Memorial Primary School vehemently opposed the directive, calling it excessive and unjustified.

The heated meeting was attended by sub-county leaders including the LC3 Chairperson Rubby Ogwali, Sub-county Chief Susan Naume Amongi, Secretaries for Health and Education, PTA and SMC members, and hundreds of parents.

Some vocal parents including Francis Anyal, Jasper Opio, and George Ocuku argued that UGX 15,000 was unaffordable and suggested a UGX 5,000 contribution instead. They noted that the school already receives revenue from assets such as the MTN Busta tower, a marram field, and ground rent paid by Mugume Poles and Timber Dealers Ltd.

“We cannot pay UGX 15,000. The school is generating money from its land resources, so UGX 5,000 is enough,” said one parent.

They also expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, accusing the PTA and School Management Committee (SMC) of failing to organize annual meetings for the past four years, and providing no accountability for previous collections.

 Rubby Ogwali,the LC3 chairperson affirmed that the sub-county council’s resolution was binding but accepted the parents’ alternative contribution. “If parents insist on paying UGX 5,000, let them pay in time. The Headteacher should issue official receipts,” he said.

Hassa Memorial’s Headteacher, Boniface Opio, admitted that since his transfer to the school, parents had not contributed a single shilling towards development from 2022 to 2025. He blamed the previous PTA and SMC leadership for failing to convene meetings or account for collected funds.

Sub-county Chief Amongi urged parents to take the development of the school seriously. “The school faces dire challenges like lack of staff housing, desks, and latrines. We appeal to parents to contribute willingly and consistently,” she said. She further warned the PTA and SMC against mismanagement, calling for transparency and collaboration.

PTA Chairperson Alex Odur said previous financial accountability was affected by tensions between the school’s foundation body and PTA leadership, leading to the loss of essential records. SMC Chairperson Dick Oyuku echoed calls for unity and responsibility, encouraging parents to support critical school development projects.

Hassa Memorial Primary School, a government-aided institution, currently has an enrolment of 1,446 pupils and 11 teachers. 

Despite its size, it faces significant infrastructure challenges due to a lack of funds and weak parental engagement.

Story by Hassan  Ocen