Catholic Church Urged to Act as School Costs Rise in Africa
As the cost of education surges across Africa, growing concerns are emerging over the Catholic Church’s role in maintaining accessible schooling for low-income families.
At Uganda Martyrs’ Secondary School in Kampala, a symbol of academic excellence and moral instruction, tuition once soared to $800 before dropping to $600 — a reduction driven by doubled enrollment. Still, the figure remains out of reach for many Ugandan families, fueling fears that Catholic education is becoming elitist.
“Because of the challenge of fees, I cannot manage all the school fees for my kids,” said Richard Kizito, a metal worker whose four children attend Catholic schools. He reminisced about his own childhood when education was free and accessible, with no need to worry about books, pens, or tuition.
The Catholic Church remains the largest non-governmental provider of education in sub-Saharan Africa, with a reputation for delivering quality learning where state infrastructure falls short. Yet, as private investors increasingly treat education as a business, even Catholic institutions say they are forced to adapt.
“A school like this one has several cost centres,” explained Vincent Ssegane, director of studies at Uganda Martyrs School. “The wage bill, feeding, infrastructure maintenance — it’s enormous.”
While schools like Uganda Martyrs continue to offer scholarships to exceptional students, critics argue that this support isn’t enough to counterbalance the broader affordability crisis. Inflation and high living costs are compounding the problem, leaving thousands unable to access education at institutions that once uplifted the poor.
Observers warn that the Church may be drifting from its original mission. “It’s not that parents don’t want Catholic education. They just can’t afford it,” said Kizito.
With sub-Saharan Africa recording the highest school dropout rates globally, advocates are calling on the Catholic Church to step up its intervention and reaffirm its commitment to educational equity.
Source: Africanews
