Boarding schools face sanctions over unlawful operations
The Ministry of Education and Sports has in place guidelines outlining the standards schools must meet before operating boarding facilities, with emphasis on learner safety, security, health and welfare
KAMPALA, October 31, 2026 — The Ministry of Education and Sports has warned boarding schools operating without authorisation that they will face sanctions as the government moves to strengthen safety and welfare standards for learners.
Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang said the ministry had established guidelines governing the operation of boarding sections in schools in response to concerns about the quality and safety of boarding facilities across the country.
“A boarding section must be properly authorised, adequately resourced, regularly inspected and run in the best interests of learners,” Ogwang said.
The minister made the remarks while presenting a statement on the requirements for schools to operate boarding sections during Thursday’s plenary sitting of Parliament.
“Learners must be properly supervised, with clear procedures for reporting abuse, and arrangements for food, nutrition and hygiene must meet the required standards. Responsibilities for financing and maintenance must also be clear,” Ogwang said.
He added that schools would be required to address any gaps identified during inspections, warning that facilities operating unlawfully or exposing learners to unacceptable risks would face action.
“Schools will be required to address any gaps identified, and appropriate action will be taken against facilities that operate unlawfully or expose learners to unacceptable risk,” he said.
Ogwang noted that boarding in Universal Primary Education [UPE] and Universal Secondary Education [USE] schools is voluntary and should support the government’s objective of improving access to free education for disadvantaged children.
“The position of the ministry on boarding in these schools follows from that purpose: boarding must serve the interests of learners and must not stand in the way of free basic education,” he said.
The minister cautioned administrators of UPE and USE schools against diverting funds to unauthorised boarding operations, adding that the ministry would periodically review the need for boarding facilities in such schools.
Members of Parliament welcomed the guidelines, with Kilak South County Member of Parliament Gilbert Olanya describing them as an important control measure.
“The moment you leave the door open, as a country, we shall regret. The statement of the minister is okay. Let the schools know they must have something to control fire outbreaks,” Olanya said.
Hoima District Woman Representative Beatrice Wembabazi said learner safety should not be compromised and called for regular supervision of boarding schools.
“I want to request the Ministry of Education to take care and do regular supervision so that we can guarantee the safety of our learners,” she said.
Laura Kanushu, the parliamentary representative for persons with disabilities, urged the ministry to ensure that boarding schools provide accessible infrastructure for learners with special needs.
“Basic things like a ramp should be included. It is a legal requirement for any public building. Lack of an accessible toilet can be a hindrance to children with disabilities,” she said.
Kira Municipality MP George Musisi, however, said the guidelines should take into account the geographical location of schools, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas.
“What we need is not only one document. The minister needs to present other minimum standards, taking into consideration all other challenges in different areas,” he said.
Ensuring safety, security, health and welfare of schools and learners
The Ministry of Education and Sports has in place guidelines outlining the standards schools must meet before operating boarding facilities, with emphasis on learner safety, security, health and welfare.
The guidelines, developed by the Directorate of Education Standards, are intended to guide inspectors and school management in ensuring that boarding facilities comply with the required standards. They apply both to schools seeking permission to establish boarding sections and those already authorised to operate them.
Under the guidelines, schools are required to have valid registration, written permission to operate a boarding facility, approved building plans, occupancy permits for dormitories and up-to-date dormitory registers, among other documents.
The Ministry also requires boarding schools to establish functional safety and security committees, install fire-fighting equipment and smoke detectors, provide emergency exits and conduct regular fire drills. Boarding facilities must also be securely fenced, have controlled access and maintain records of people entering and leaving the school.
The guidelines set standards for dormitories, including adequate ventilation and lighting, safe electrical wiring, appropriate beds, sufficient space between beds, sanitation facilities and emergency exits. Dormitories must also provide facilities suitable for learners with special educational needs.
Schools are further required to maintain proper food storage and preparation facilities, provide balanced meals and ensure safe food handling. They must also have adequate sanitation, waste-management systems and a functional sick bay staffed by a qualified health worker.
The Ministry has also prescribed staffing requirements, including resident matrons or wardens, qualified health workers, adequate cooks, cleaners and security guards. Non-teaching staff are expected to receive regular training in safety and security.
According to the inspection checklist, schools must attain a minimum score of 75 percent to be recommended for permission to operate a boarding section. Inspectors are required to submit their recommendations to the Directorate of Education Standards for consideration and issuance of permission.
The guidelines also require schools to provide psychosocial support and life-skills programmes addressing issues such as self-harm, bullying and abuse, alongside spiritual, moral and personal security support for learners.
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