education 18 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gulu City Shuts Down Illegal School Boarding Facilities
Gulu City authorities have issued a stern warning and directive to schools operating unauthorized boarding facilities, threatening license revocation and legal action. The crackdown follows reports of several schools providing overnight accommodation without the necessary permits or safety certifications from the Ministry of Education and Sports. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/gulu-city-cracks-down-on-illegal-school-boarding-facilities-5464712
Gulu City officials are taking decisive action against schools offering illegal boarding services. Authorities have warned that institutions operating unauthorized residential facilities risk having their licenses revoked and facing further legal consequences.
This move comes in response to intelligence indicating that numerous schools within the city are providing overnight accommodation and dormitories to students without obtaining the required licenses, permits, or safety certificates from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Innocent Ahimbisibwe, the Gulu City Town Clerk, stated in a letter on May 6 that investigations confirmed some schools are offering these services without the ministry’s approval. The directive aims to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, particularly as many students, including Primary Leaving Examination candidates, are reportedly housed in these unlicensed facilities.
Both government-aided and private schools are reportedly involved in this practice. School administrators contacted by the press have largely declined to comment, possibly due to fear of repercussions from the authorities.
Schools are now mandated to cease all residential services immediately. They must notify parents and guardians, and ensure that students residing in these unauthorized facilities either return home or are transferred to properly licensed boarding institutions. The city authorities emphasized that schools have a fundamental responsibility to guarantee the safety and welfare of all students under their charge.
This enforcement action occurs amidst heightened national concerns regarding the safety standards of boarding schools, particularly following a spate of fatal fire incidents across the country. The crackdown underscores the critical need for compliance with educational regulations to prevent potential tragedies.