Over 30 privately-owned Kanungu schools closed
May 16, 2012
Kanungu district education department has closed 39 privately-owned primary schools in the district.The schools were closed because they do not conform
By Patson Baraire
Kanungu district education department has closed 39 privately-owned primary schools in the district.
The schools were closed because they do not conform to the minimum standards required of them to operate as stipulated in the Education Act 2008.
A statement from the office of the chief administrative officer (CAO) dated May 9, ordered the proprietors of the affected schools not to open their schools for the second term that started on Monday.
In the letter signed by the CAO, Walter Iriama, parents who had children in these schools were also advised not to send their children back to the affected schools.
“The action was taken on May 1 after the education department inspection team visited the schools,” he said.
Iriama warned that any school proprietor who opened his/her school without meeting the minimum requirements would be severely punished and prosecuted in courts of law.
Four of the schools are in Kinaaba sub-county, seven in Kambuga, two in Rutenga and three in Kihiihi town.
Seven other schools are in Rugyeyo, five in Kanyantorogo, four in Butogota town and three in Nyamirama sub-county.
The district education officer, God Willy Bakiga, said some of the schools do not have operational licences, while others do not have pit-latrines.
Most of the affected children have relocated to neighbouring schools but their number could not be readily established.
Some of the school proprietors said the authorities closed their schools unfairly because they were not given enough time to put in place what was needed.
The proprietor of St. John Nyakatunguru Primary School in Kihiihi town, Gerald Agaba, said although his school had the necessary requirements, it was closed. He threatened to sue the district if the school is not opened.