Uganda to sanction unauthorised school boarding facilities
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Watchdog Uganda
Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports has announced sanctions against schools that take in boarders without authorisation or in conditions that put pupils at risk. State Minister Peter Ogwang outlined the requirements in Parliament on 29 October 2026, stressing supervision, inspections, and hygiene and nutrition standards.
Regular inspections will cover, among other things, student supervision, systems for reporting abuse, food, hygiene and resources allocated to maintenance. Schools will have to address any shortcomings identified; those that put pupils at risk or operate an illegal boarding facility may be sanctioned, Peter Ogwang said, according to Watchdog Uganda.
In schools benefiting from the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programmes, boarding is optional and must support access to free education for disadvantaged children. The minister warned school officials not to divert programme funds to unauthorised boarding facilities. The ministry will periodically reassess whether these facilities are still needed.
MPs supported the announced rules. Gilbert Olanya, MP for Kilak South, emphasised fire prevention, while Beatrice Wembabazi, the representative for Hoima District, called for regular supervision to protect pupils.
