Authorities Shut Down Primary Schools for Failing to Meet Education Standards
Approximately 5,000 pupils in Jinja District face an uncertain future as authorities have directed 25 primary schools not to reopen for the first term. The decision comes after an impromptu inspection by the Jinja District inspector of schools, Mr. Eriya Kisambira, revealed that these schools failed to meet the Ministry of Education and Sports’ requirements to continue operating.
The affected schools, including New Hope Primary School, St Patrick Kalema, Kagoma Model, Gloryland, Victoria Junior, Born Global, Williams, Estoni, Highway, Victory Kindergarten, Green View, and St Junior in Butagaya sub-county, as well as Excel Primary School, Buyengo Children’s Centre, and Oxford Primary School in Buyengo sub-county, lacked qualified staff, sufficient space, proper latrines, and management committees.
Mr. Kisambira emphasized that the closure decision was made after more than 100 schools, mainly private, were inspected, and 25 of them failed to meet the minimum standards set by the Ministry.
He urged parents in Butagaya and Buyengo sub-counties to exercise caution when choosing schools for their children to avoid those that have been closed but may continue to operate illegally.
In Iganga, the district education officer, Mr. Baker Kasadhakawo, stated that the crackdown on illegal schools would commence once schools reopen. Managers of schools without necessary requirements were warned last year, and no further warnings will be issued; they will be prevented from reopening.
Some school directors, like Mr. Muzamiru Musembya from Buwenge Blue Day and Boarding Primary School in Jinja District, took proactive measures to avoid closure. Mr. Musembya ensured the construction of adequate classrooms, addressing potential grounds for closure. Despite over ten years of existence, his school has not received any closure notices.
