Education Ministry warns Boarding Schools operating without authorisation

By Our Reporter

The Ministry of Education and Sports has vowed to take action against schools operating boarding sections without official authorisation, as part of efforts to safeguard learners and improve standards in boarding facilities across the country.

The Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang, said the ministry had established guidelines governing the operation of boarding sections, emphasising that all schools must meet the required safety, infrastructure and welfare standards before admitting learners.

“A boarding section must be properly authorised, adequately resourced, regularly inspected and run in the best interests of learners,” Ogwang said.

The minister presented a statement on the requirements for schools to operate boarding sections during plenary sitting on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Ogwang said schools must ensure proper supervision of learners, establish clear procedures for reporting abuse and provide adequate food, nutrition and hygiene facilities.

“Learners must be properly supervised, with clear procedures for reporting abuse, and arrangements for food, nutrition and hygiene must meet the required standards. Responsibilities for financing and maintenance must also be clear,” he said.

He warned that schools found operating below the required standards would be directed to address identified gaps, while those operating unlawfully or exposing learners to unacceptable risks would face appropriate action.

“Schools will be required to address any gaps identified, and appropriate action will be taken against facilities that operate unlawfully or expose learners to unacceptable risk,” Ogwang added.

The minister explained that although boarding arrangements in Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools are voluntary, they should primarily serve the purpose of improving access to free education for disadvantaged children.

“The position of the ministry on boarding in these schools follows from that purpose: boarding must serve the interests of learners and must not stand in the way of free basic education,” he said.

Ogwang also cautioned administrators of UPE and USE schools against diverting government funds to unauthorised boarding operations, adding that the ministry would conduct periodic reviews to establish the necessity of boarding facilities in such institutions.

The minister’s statement attracted reactions from Members of Parliament, who generally welcomed the proposed guidelines but called for stronger supervision and consideration of different circumstances affecting schools.

Kilak South County MP Gilbert Olanya described the guidelines as an important control measure, particularly in preventing safety risks such as fire outbreaks in boarding facilities.

“The moment you leave the door open, as a country, we shall regret. The statement of the minister is okay. Let the schools know they must have something to control fire outbreaks,” Olanya said.

Hoima District Woman Representative Beatrice Wembabazi urged the ministry to strengthen routine inspections to ensure that schools comply with the established standards.

“I want to request the Ministry of Education to take care and do regular supervision so that we can guarantee the safety of our learners,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Representative of Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Laura Kanushu, called on the ministry to ensure that boarding schools provide accessible infrastructure for learners with disabilities.

She emphasised the need for basic facilities such as ramps and accessible toilets, noting that their absence could prevent children with disabilities from accessing education on equal terms with other learners.

“Basic things like a ramp should be included. It is a legal requirement for any public building. Lack of an accessible toilet can be a hindrance to children with disabilities,” Kanushu said.

However, Kira Municipality MP George Musisi (NUP) called for flexibility in implementing the guidelines, arguing that schools in hard-to-reach areas face unique geographical and operational challenges that should be considered.

“What we need is not only one document, the minister needs to present other minimum standards, taking into consideration all other challenges in different areas,” Musisi said.

The proposed measures underscore the ministry’s commitment to strengthening oversight of boarding facilities and ensuring that learners across the country study and live in safe, properly supervised and adequately equipped environments.