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Several Kampala schools are in talks with suppliers to provide them food on credit as they prepare to receive students following the long shutdown by the government because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A number of school administrators interviewed by URN say the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the incomes of parents, which is affecting tuition payment by parents.
James Wonyaka, the headteacher of Bat Valley primary school says they are currently engaging parents on how to feed pupils once they return to school during the phased reopening by the government.
He says they are also engaging suppliers to supply them the food on credit as they wait for parents to pay up.
David Ssengendo, the headteacher of Buganda road primary school, says that he has not made plans for feeding non-candidates.
‘’I cannot start planning for the pupils that have not yet paid fees at the same time still struggle with fees defaulters in the candidate class,” he said.
Richard Abura, the deputy headteacher of Nakasero primary school says since meals are key for learners, they intend to engage parents to ensure that pupils get meals at school.
’’Our children will have to get meals and this will be fulfilled after negotiating with the suppliers for credit,” he said.
Francis Kyassa, the headteacher of Midland high school also says they are trying to coordinate with their suppliers to supply food credit as they wait for the return of other learners.
Zaujja Ndifuna Matovu, the Director Mbogo schools explains that the school is already facing challenges of accessing food on credit for candidates.
She, however, says that the situation is almost stabilizing because suppliers are now willing to supply them on credit.
Edward Ssekiziyivu, the deputy headteacher in charge of administration at Wampewo Ntake Secondary school, says that they already drafted their budget for the term and food is the main item pending approval by the school management committee.
He says after the approval, they will engage their suppliers to give them food on credit as they wait for the fees from students to clear the debt.
However, some of the suppliers say many schools are already indebted and are approaching them for more credit. Deo Walugembe, a supplier of assorted items in Kisenyi supplies over 30 schools. He explains that most of the schools have huge debts.
Dan Zirimenya, who supplies food to 12 schools, says that many schools have breached the trust by not paying up. He says this time he intends to sign contracts with the schools for the supply of small amounts, which they can pay on time.
