Govt asked to give tax holidays to private schools

Reknown educationist Twaha Kawaase has appealed to government to give tax holidays to private schools that were started with the aim of providing holistic education to the children of Uganda.

Kawaase who is also Buganda's education minister, made the remarks while officiating at the launch of St Mary's Secondary School in Kammengo, Mpigi district on Sunday.

Kawaase said government should consider exempting private schools from taxes because they help government provide education to Ugandan children.

"These private schools help government so much in educating Ugandan children. When these schools are given tax holidays, it means they will be able to give education to our communities at affordable prices," Kawaase said.

He called on parents to always take responsibility towards providing for their children with the basic necessities while at school, to enable them concentrate on their studies.

The main celebrant, Bishop Paul Ssemwogerere of Kasana Luweero Catholic Diocese, appealed to the school directors to always put God first in whatever they do if they want to succeed in the education sector.

"You should endeavour to always put God first in all what you are doing here at school, God will lead you to what you want to achieve in the education sector," Ssemwogerere said.

He warned people against starting up schools with the aim of gaining income but instead, they should be started with the main objective of giving knowledge to the students.

Ssemwogerere said Parliament should not pass the Sex Education Bill, saying it will instead stir up immorality in the community.

The Mpigi district LCV chairman, Clever Peter Mutuluuza, said they have embarked on a campaign to curb absenteeism among teachers, especially in government schools because it is has greatly contributed to poor performances in government-aided schools.

He applauded the directors to St Mary's Kammengo for bringing development to the district of Mpigi and urged the community to support the school.

Godfrey Ssenyonjo, the school's director said his main objective for starting the school was to impart knowledge to the community at a low coast and also to help support the education sector.

The area Member of Parliament for Mawokota North who also doubles as the trade minister, Amelia Kyambadde, thanked the school proprietors for bringing development to Mpigi and particularly Mawokota North.

Kyambadde pledged to sponsor two students who will emerge as best students at advanced level by paying for their tuition fees at university until when they graduate.

"I pledge to sponsor two best performers at A' Level at university for every year, so I urge you students to work hard not to lose this opportunity," she said.