By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports has threatened to close schools operating boarding sections without official permission saying they risk closure, as government moves to tighten safety standards and improve the welfare of learners in boarding facilities across the country.
State Minister for Education (Sports), Peter Ogwang, sounded the warning on October 29,2026, saying the ministry had established guidelines governing the establishment and operation of boarding sections, which require schools to meet specific standards on infrastructure, supervision, nutrition, hygiene and learner protection.
While presenting a statement on the requirements for operating boarding sections before the floor of Parliament on Thursday, Minister Ogwang said boarding facilities must obtain proper approval, undergo regular inspections and demonstrate that they have adequate resources to protect learners.
Minister Ogwang urged schools to put in place effective supervision systems, clear procedures for reporting abuse and adequate arrangements for food, nutrition and sanitation. He also said institutions must clearly define responsibilities for financing and maintaining their boarding facilities
Minister Ogwang vehemently cautioned schools found operating outside the established requirements and advised them to address identified shortcomings adding that appropriate action will be taken against those running unlawful facilities or exposing learners to unacceptable risks.
The minister clarified that boarding arrangements in Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) institutions are voluntary and should primarily support disadvantaged children who face challenges accessing education.
He said boarding should not undermine the objective of providing free basic education, warning school administrators against diverting public funds to unauthorised boarding operations.
He added that the ministry would periodically review the necessity of boarding arrangements in UPE and USE schools to ensure they remain consistent with the objectives of the programmes.
MPs Welcome Proposal
Members of Parliament welcomed the proposed guidelines, with several calling for stricter enforcement, regular inspections and improved infrastructure to address the different needs of learners.
Kilak South County MP, Gilbert Olanya described the guidelines as an important control measure, particularly in preventing safety incidents such as fire outbreaks in boarding facilities.
He urged school administrators to ensure that their institutions have adequate safeguards and measures to respond to emergencies.
Hoima District Woman Legislator, Beatrice Wembabazi appealed to the ministry to strengthen supervision through regular inspections, arguing that the safety of learners should remain a priority for all education institutions.
On the other hand, the representative of Persons with Disabilities, Laura Kanushu, urged government to ensure that boarding facilities provide accessible infrastructure for learners with disabilities.
She said schools should incorporate basic facilities such as ramps and accessible toilets to enable children with disabilities to use school facilities without unnecessary barriers.
However, Kira Municipality Legislator, George Musisi 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.
He urged the ministry to develop additional minimum standards that take into account the circumstances of different communities rather than relying on a single framework for all institutions.
