Tragic reports emerge from Mbarara District where four students were barred from sitting the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams over unpaid fees, despite interventions by education officials. The affected pupils, from various secondary schools, face uncertain futures as the exams progress nationwide. Authorities have cautioned headteachers against such exclusions, emphasizing access rights under the education act. This incident exposes systemic barriers linking poverty to educational exclusion, with parents decrying exploitative fee structures amid economic strains. Advocacy for fee waivers and scholarships intensifies, aiming to protect learners’ opportunities. Rephrased narrative amplifies the personal stories, evoking calls for compassionate policy reforms. Review powered by GrokAI: These exclusions underscore education’s commodification; implementing universal waivers could transform access, empowering youth from low-income backgrounds to break poverty cycles.
Source: Article | Uganda Observer