KAMULI, Uganda: Private school directors in Kamuli District have expressed concern over a raft of new taxes imposed on educational institutions, warning that some schools could be forced to shut down if the levies are not reviewed.
The concerns were raised during a meeting convened by the Kamuli District Education Office on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, at the Youth Centre in Kamuli Municipality, where school proprietors were briefed on the new tax obligations affecting private education institutions.
Speaking at the meeting, Kamuli District Education Officer (DEO) Mr. Waibi Joseph urged private school directors to comply with government policies and programmes despite the concerns being raised.
“All private school directors must follow government programmes. These policies apply to everyone and are meant to ensure order and proper service delivery,” Mr. Waibi said.
School directors, however, said the growing tax burden was becoming unsustainable for many institutions already grappling with operational challenges.
According to the proprietors, the new obligations include ground rent, property tax, operational tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and other revenue-related taxes, all of which they say have significantly increased the cost of running schools.
Mr. Muyangu Swayibu, the Chairperson of Private Schools in Kamuli District, appealed to government authorities to reconsider the tax measures. “The government should reduce the tax. If not, most private schools will collapse,” he warned.
The school directors argued that private institutions play a critical role in complementing government efforts in the education sector and should therefore be supported rather than overburdened with taxes.
In response, Acting Chief Finance Officer Mr. Abdul Kaleleja defended the tax measures, saying the revenue collected is essential for financing public services and district operations.
“Private schools should pay the taxes because we use that tax to transport PLE examinations, maintain roads and support other essential services,” Kaleleja explained.
The meeting highlighted the growing tension between local revenue mobilisation efforts and the financial realities facing private education providers, many of whom say they are still recovering from economic disruptions experienced in recent years.
Education stakeholders at the meeting called for further engagement between government authorities and private school owners to find a balanced approach that supports service delivery while ensuring the sustainability of private educational institutions.
The discussions come at a time when private schools across Uganda continue to play a significant role in expanding access to education, particularly in areas where public schools face capacity constraints.
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