The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has said that the boarding of learners should be optional and not mandatory.
Nabbanja’s said this during the Prime Minister’s Time on Thursday, 15 August 2024 following a question raised by the Kanungu District Woman Representative, Hon. Patience Kinshaba.
Kinshaba questioned the recent directive from the Ministry of Education and Sports that mandates government schools to operate only as day schools unless granted specific exemptions.
Kinshaba was concerned about the apparent lack of formal communication regarding the policy noting that many schools were unaware of the new rules. She also highlighted a perceived contradiction where high-ranking government officials were seen attending fundraising events aimed at building dormitories, seemingly undermining the ministry’s directive.
Prime Minister Nabbanja defended the government's position emphasising that, "the spirit of universal education is to increase access to education, especially for disadvantaged children."
She added that government schools are expected to function primarily as day schools and in the event that a school wishes to operate as a boarding section, it must follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
She said the process includes submitting requests to the Permanent Secretary, undergoing a compliance inspection by the Directorate of Education Standards and obtaining a certificate of authority if all conditions are met.
Addressing the issue of government officials attending fundraising events, Nabbanja stated that, "It is essential for all involved to adhere to the ministry’s regulations. Schools operating unauthorised boarding sections are in breach of these rules, and such activities should align with the policy."
The new guidelines referenced by the Prime Minister were issued in April by the Ministry of Education.
The circular notified school administrators to rigorously enforce the standards for boarding sections.
It emphasised that illegal boarding facilities or those failing to meet required standards, would face closure ahead of and during the second term.
The guidelines provide extensive details on the management and organisation of boarding sections covering necessary facilities, equipment, and human resources.
