Hundreds of unlicensed schools across remained closed this morning as the first term if the 2018 academic year commenced.
The closure follows a directive from the junior minister of education Rosemary Sseninde. She announced, during the release of 2017 PLE results in Kampala that such schools would be dealt with to ensure fulfillment of minimum standards of education.
The minister further urged parents to find alternatives for their children.
“All the unlicensed schools including Bridge International academies will not be allowed to operate or open for the school year 2018.This position is in line with our circular and press release number DES50/14 of September 22, 2017. We made it clear to all Ugandans that we shall not allow these schools to open,” Seninde said.
However last week, Bridge International School in Nansana Wakiso district was operating with a few children seen cleaning ahead of the opening of a new term.
In Kampala alone, 48 schools are set to be closed by the Kampala Capital City Authority. These lack enough classrooms, libraries, toilets and other sanitary facilities as well as open co-curricular activities space, like play grounds.
It remains unclear what will happen to schools that have insisted on opening without proper documentation.