Parents in Namutumba District want authorities to ban graduations at the nursery level, while others want to know whether they are allowed in the Education Act.
The parents say it is through such events that they are ripped off in terms of hiring gowns, a band, and money for photography and certificates.
Josephine Namukose, one of the parents, said every year, schools charge different amounts which is too much considering the financial challenges parents go through in completing fees for the third term.
Joyce Muyaka, another parent, says the “mock graduations” abuse the gown, which she says is a preserve for those who have attained “a reasonable academic level, for example, a degree”.
Muyaka says last year, a pupil allegedly collapsed at a school she didn’t name, and was reportedly rushed to hospital after being denied a group photo because her parents did not hire a gown for her.
Ms Olivia Mirembe, another parent warns that these graduations, which she says are mainly organised in private schools as a means of advertisement, can cause permanent mental damage to the children if not handled well.
Robert Mugoya, the District Inspector of Schools, said nursery graduations are a way of ascertaining a child’s transition from nursery to primary, adding that it is good for their confidence and personal development.
When contacted, Dennis Mugimba, the Ministry of Education Spokesperson, says there is no law or regulation that bars holding of graduations at the completion of the non-tertiary education levels.
