Uganda Cracks Down on Unauthorised Boarding Schools to Protect Learners

The Ministry of Education and Sports in Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on boarding schools operating without proper authorization. During a plenary sitting, Minister of State for Education (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang, presented a comprehensive statement detailing the stringent requirements necessary for running school boarding sections across the country.

According to the ministry, any authorized boarding facility must be adequately resourced, regularly inspected, and strictly operated in the best interests of the learners. The guidelines emphasize proper student supervision, strict anti-abuse reporting procedures, and high standards for food, nutrition, and hygiene. Facilities that fail to meet these parameters or expose students to unnecessary risks will face immediate sanctions.

Lawmakers during the parliamentary session welcomed the intervention. Kilak South County MP, Hon. Gilbert Olanya, stressed the importance of mandatory fire safety equipment in all boarding institutions to avert tragic disasters. Meanwhile, Hon. Laura Kanushu highlighted the necessity of inclusive infrastructure, urging the ministry to ensure that boarding schools incorporate ramps and accessible toilets for children with special needs.

Other legislators, including Hoima District Woman Representative Hon. Beatrice Wembabazi, called for rigorous, routine supervision by education officials to guarantee compliance. Kira Municipality MP Hon. George Musisi noted that the ministry should factor in the unique geographical challenges faced by schools in hard-to-reach areas when implementing the minimum standards.

The ministry also cautioned administrators of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) institutions against misdirecting funds into unauthorized boarding sections, reminding stakeholders that boarding should always support, rather than hinder, free basic education.

Read the full story originally reported by the Parliament of Uganda.