Illegal boarding sections banned

By Betty Angatai

All illegal boarding sections in private schools in Mayuge district risk closure.

Jalia Nabirye, the district inspector of schools, said several schools have established boarding sections for their pupils, yet they do not have the basic requirements as stipulated by the education ministry.

Speaking during a one-day workshop for directors of private schools at Ikulwe Primary School on Friday, Nabirye said such sections will be closed in order to protect children from imminent dangers.

She said some school administrators have a tendency of sharing their homes with pupils, while others rent for them rooms in nearby trading centres.

Nabirye noted that consequently, a number of girls have been defi led and impregnated in such situations making them drop out of school.

“Last year, a total of 19 P7 pupils were impregnated in these mini boarding schools,” she said, adding that there is need for immediate action to stop schools with fake boarding sections from operating.

Peter Okwang, the Ikulwe centre coordinating tutor, said the purpose of the workshop was to create awareness among the directors of private schools on minimum standards and basic requirements in schools.

He said the awareness would provide a strong foundation and comprehensive framework for an effective and systematic development, organisation and management of schools.