95% of Kapelebyong schools not licensed to open for first term

With just a few days left to the start of the school year for primary and secondary schools across the country, students in the newly created district of Kapelebyong may not report to school due to failure by their schools to adhere to the ministry of education and sports guidelines.

In a letter issued by the office of the Kapelebyong chief administrative officer, David Ebulu, only one school out of the 22 in the district is licensed and ready to open for the first term.

"Parents or guardians are still warned against enrolling children in unlicensed schools," reads the letter in part.

In the letter, only one school—Marthael Primary School Obalanga—has fulfilled the guidelines and can open on February 4.

"We inspected these schools two years ago where we informed the proprietors to ensure they put things in order but they have failed to this to date. Some are operating in trading centres while others have turned lockup shops into classrooms," said the acting district education officer, Samson Olaki.

According to the directive from the education ministry permanent secretary that was released last year in December, district education officers and chief administrative officers were directed to ensure that no private schools operate without a valid license issued by the ministry.

The resident district commissioners, district internal security officers and district Police commanders were also informed to help in ensuring that all operating schools have licenses.

The guidelines stated that all dormitories operating illegally should not opened for the first term and any school found operating on Monday without fulfilling the agreed guidelines will be dealt with according to the law.  

"The proprietors should not do their business at the expense of our children who deserve quality service. They must meet the standards if they are to open," Olaki insisted.

Kapelebyong was carved out of Amuria district in July last year. Their performance shall be valued next year but last year's primary leaving examinations results posted poor results.