Rubirizi district authorities close 15 schools over safety, licensing violation

RUBIRIZI - The Rubirizi District Education Department has closed 15 private primary schools accused of operating without valid licenses and failing to meet minimum health, safety, and staffing requirements.

The closures, executed on Thursday, June 5, 2025, followed an inspection by the district education officials during an ongoing government crackdown on substandard institutions across the country.

Affected schools include those which operate child nursery units.

Warufu urged parents to enrol their children in licensed institutions as affected schools work towards compliance. (All Photos by Bruno Mugizi)

“These schools were operating in violation of the Basic Requirements and Minimum Standards for educational institutions,” said Mary Kyomugisha, the Rubirizi District Inspector of Schools. “Many lacked even the most basic facilities, from latrines to trained teachers and posed serious risks to learners.”

Some of the affected schools reportedly held classes in makeshift structures with no clean water, fire safety equipment, or instructional materials. Others had no government-approved license to operate.

District Education Officer Steven Biiru Warufu said that proprietors had been warned in advance and given time to make necessary improvements. 

“We informed school heads before the second term opened. Those who didn’t attend our meetings or ignored the warnings have only themselves to blame,” Warufu said.

He stressed that the move is not intended to undermine private education but to safeguard children’s rights to a safe and quality learning environment.

Warufu urged parents to enrol their children in licensed institutions as affected schools work towards compliance.

Several managers of the closed schools declined to comment or reveal the next move when approached.