Uganda ministry to sanction unauthorised boarding schools
The Ministry of Education and Sports will act against schools operating boarding sections without official authorisation.
The Ministry of Education and Sports in Uganda will impose sanctions on boarding schools operating without official authorisation. Minister of State for Education (Sports) Peter Ogwang stated on Thursday, October 29, 2026, that new guidelines require boarding sections to be properly authorised, resourced, and regularly inspected.
Ogwang emphasised that boarding facilities must meet standards for supervision, abuse reporting, food, nutrition, and hygiene, and that financing and maintenance responsibilities must be clear. Schools must address identified gaps, with action taken against unlawful operations or those exposing learners to unacceptable risk.
The ministry also clarified that while boarding for Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) is voluntary, it must not hinder access to free basic education. MPs welcomed the guidelines, with some calling for regular supervision and consideration for children with special needs and those in hard-to-reach areas.