Uganda Martyrs SS Namugongo recently sent off its Senior Four candidates on an extravagant trip to the United Arab Emirates, with images of students boarding a Uganda Airlines flight to Dubai circulating widely on social media. This journey marks the first of several international trips planned by the school, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, the UAE, and Italy.
The trip, reportedly a geography study tour, saw the students departing on an Uganda Airlines Airbus A330Neo, though it remains unclear if the aircraft was chartered specifically for this occasion. The cost of these excursions ranges from UGX 1.7 million to UGX 11 million per student, reflecting a significant investment in these educational experiences.
The school’s decision to organize such luxurious trips has sparked mixed reactions online. Some critics, like Stella, questioned the motives behind such extravagance, asking, “What are schools trying to prove these days?” Conversely, others supported the initiative, arguing that affluent parents should have the freedom to provide unique experiences for their children.
This controversy follows a recent incident where the Ugandan government, through the Ministry of Education, issued a warning about extravagant displays in schools. The caution came after a parent arranged a helicopter ride for their child to make a grand entrance at Elite High School’s prom party. Minister of State for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo expressed concern over such lavish spending, urging parents to use resources more judiciously.
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