Inflation Hits Uganda

Just as we are feeling the effects of inflation here in the USA, people in Uganda are struggling with similar challenges…

Ugandan schools reopened in February this year after a 22-month hiatus, the longest shutdown of schools anywhere. The inflation rate had just spiked 1/2 point to 3.2%. But the ever-upward rise in energy prices is driving inflation to alarming levels. Today the rate of inflation in Uganda is 6.8% and is expected to increase again in July. In addition, the price of all goods and services has risen dramatically. Food prices have nearly doubled in just four months (100 kgs of flour were $41.60 – now $70.00, a ream of paper was $4.95 – now $6.50). All of this has had a profound impact on JPSS and the surrounding community.

Increased costs overnight make it extremely challenging to provide for the education and well-being of the 600 students and staff that live on campus. The financial stability of the school is being carefully monitored by the Director, Fr. John Chrysostom, and Headmaster Moses Bwayo. Recently it was necessary to take some drastic measures to make ends meet. The parents have been notified that effective with the start of the next term tuition will be increased by 15 – 20 %. This will be a real burden for the parents but it is absolutely necessary at this time. The administration has been forced to reduce staffing levels, made even more difficult because the remaining teachers are seeking salary increases as well.