The Western Equatoria State Ministry of General Education has withdrawn a controversial increase in examination fees for Primary Eight candidates after heavy criticism from parents and lawmakers.
Lawmakers in the Western Equatoria Transitional Legislative Assembly said the increment violated the official national circular from Juba, which fixed fees at 80,000 SSP for public schools and 120,000 SSP for private schools.
Parents had reported being charged up to 100,000 SSP in public schools and 150,000 SSP in private schools, sparking widespread anger.
“This is an illegal imposition of taxes on families already struggling with the economic crisis,” said
Hon. Clement Gongi Liba of Mvolo County. “That’s why we dismissed it.”
The Assembly has resolved that any extra fees already paid must be refunded. Hon. Mary Sungu Yore described the hike as “unfair and unnecessary burdens” placed on families.
“Our people are suffering. Sometimes one parent has two or three children. How can they pay such inflated fees? This cannot continue,” she said.
Lawmakers warned that inflated fees risk forcing children out of school, especially among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable households.
“Education is the hope of our children. We cannot allow policies that deprive them of that right,” said Hon. Fuonde Santina of Tombura County.
The Assembly reaffirmed that the only valid fees are those set by the National Ministry of General Education which includes 80,000 SSP for public schools and 120,000 SSP for private schools.
Any school found charging more risks losing its licenseaccording to the state August House.