By Chris Woo
A recent comprehensive guideline issued by Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) has revealed that most boarding schools in Oyam operate illegally. The new guidelines, aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of students, mark a significant shift from lax regulations to stringent standards.
According to David Adea, the District Education Officer of Oyam District, any school wishing to operate a boarding section must have its facilities registered, licensed, and approved by the MoES, regardless of whether it’s a private or public institution. Currently, only two secondary schools, Iceme Girls and Ngai Secondary Schools, meet these requirements, leaving the rest to operate as day schools.
Adea encourages schools willing to operate boarding sections to follow the necessary procedures, as the government awaits their applications. Some schools, like Okule Primary School, have already begun implementing the policy by suspending their boarding sections. The headteacher, Florence Ayoo, urges her colleagues to embrace the policy, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing students’ safety and well-being.
Key Requirements for Boarding Schools:
– _Documentation Mandates:_ Valid registration certificates from the MoES for private schools and explicit permission for boarding operations, specifying facility capacity.
– _Facilities and Infrastructure Guidelines:_ Adequate ventilation, emergency exits, proper drainage systems, and vermin control measures through termly fumigation.
– _Proof of Premises Ownership or Lease:_ Occupancy permits, approved building plans, and up-to-date dormitory registers are mandatory.
By enforcing these guidelines, the MoES aims to create a safer and more equitable learning environment for students in Oyam and beyond.
