Kagadi District Targets Over 200 Unlicensed Private Schools for Closure Next Term

Over 200 private primary schools in Kagadi District are at risk of closure at the start of the next term for operating without valid licenses. The district, which has 367 private schools out of 503 total primaries, reports only 164 with proper approvals.

The enforcement follows a list of non-compliant schools published on April 6, triggered by issues like poor infrastructure and a scandal where a school director allegedly forged Primary Leaving Exam results. This term, 10 unlicensed schools already stayed shut, while 19 others lack EMIS registration.

Chief Administrative Officer Opodoi Apio Pauline highlighted deficiencies such as inadequate toilets, unqualified teachers, and cramped classrooms. She warned that shared sanitation for hundreds risks disease outbreaks and undermines education quality.

Resident District Commissioner Caroline Nanshemeza confirmed closures will proceed post-grace period, with the security committee backing the move. Senior Inspector Julius Alinda noted repeated warnings were ignored despite provisional licenses.

Private schools fill gaps in underserved areas, with over 60 parishes and 16 sub-counties lacking government-aided options. Officials plan to redirect pupils to compliant schools and have requested ministry aid for public expansion.

Some owners, like Ebenezer Primary School’s Kwesiga Jackson, cite low enrollment and finances as barriers. A few have secured one-year extensions to comply.

Kyaterekera Sub-county tops the list with 16 unlicensed schools, followed by Kagadi Town Council (23) and others.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)