The Commissioner of Education in Buganda Kingdom, Aloysius Matovu Joy has cautioned parents against fraudulent elements as they seek for bursaries from the Kingdom.

Matovu who was speaking during a press briefing at the ministry’s offices at Bulange, Mengo observed that many people masquerade as agents of Kabaka’s Education Fund and swindle people’s money which tarnishes the Kingdom’s integrity.

He explained that Kabaka’s Education Fund has its head offices at Bulange- Mengo where he advised people to visit for clarification on how to acquire these bursaries. He added that there are sub offices at all Saza headquarters which also liaise with Sub-County chiefs across the Kingdom.

Matovu therefore urged the populace to seek clarification from the above mentioned authorities before giving out their money to anyone.

He observed that the Kingdom greatly appreciates any efforts geared at helping the needy children but feels betrayed when people masquerade as agents of Kabaka’s Education Fund to rob people of their money.

He elucidated that the fund was established to help the bright but needy children in Buganda and those with disabilities with more much emphasis on the girl child to also have a chance of obtaining education and succeed in life.

He however stressed that most of the bursaries acquired under K.E.F are half and therefore urged parents to fulfill their part, provide the children with the school requirements and to make regular follow-up on their children’s progress while at school.

Most of bursaries under K.E.F are provided by schools and tertiary institutions while the bursaries paid in hard cash are funded by Buganda Certificates.

The Fund was established in 1957 under the directions of Sir Edward Muteesa II to help Buganda’s children get education. It was however interrupted with the invasion of the Lubiri during the 1966 crisis and was only revived in 1996. The fund registers over 2000 beneficiaries every year from primary level to Masters Degree.

Matovu elaborated that the Fund beneficiaries have organized themselves into an association with a Chairperson and engaged in various co-curricular activities citing the annual Buganda art’s shield festival. He said that the fund is also the reason behind Buganda Mock Examinations.