Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RDC) Kasibante Hassan has directed government and private schools in Jinja District to stop parents from giving cash and expensive gifts to pupils and students preparing for national examinations.
Kasibante said the directive takes effect immediately and is aimed at preventing economic differences among learners from affecting their confidence and concentration during the examination period.
In a statement, the RDC warned schools against allowing parents to bring money or costly presents for candidates in Primary Seven (P.7), Senior Four (S.4) and Senior Six (S.6).
He said such practices could create an unfair environment in which learners from less privileged families feel inadequate because their parents cannot afford similar gifts.
“No child from a humble family should be made to feel inferior or unhappy,” Kasibante said.
He urged school administrators to prioritise the welfare and dignity of all candidates, arguing that schools should provide an environment where learners can concentrate on their studies without pressure arising from their families' financial circumstances.
The directive covers both public and private schools in Jinja District, putting headteachers and school administrators on notice that failure to comply could attract sanctions.
Kasibante said headteachers who disregard the directive will face disciplinary action, including possible suspension from their positions.
Private schools that fail to enforce the order could also face regulatory consequences, with the RDC warning that their operating licences may be withdrawn through the relevant authorities.
The intervention comes as candidates across Uganda prepare for national examinations, a period often marked by increased attention from parents and schools.
Kasibante's directive places emphasis on ensuring that examination candidates are treated equally regardless of their social or economic background.
The RDC also called on schools to maintain a supportive environment for candidates and ensure that activities surrounding examinations do not undermine learners' dignity.
The order signals a broader effort by authorities to discourage practices that could deepen social and economic divisions among learners at a critical stage of their education.
Schools are now expected to communicate the directive to parents and ensure that candidates remain focused on their examinations rather than the value of gifts or financial support received from their families.