Kampala, (UG):- The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control has cautioned schools against enrolling foreign students who lack student passes and proper registration.
These learners, particularly in border districts, according to the government, risk being barred from sitting national examinations due to non-compliance with immigration regulations.
The issue is rampant at border crossings like Malaba, Busia, Rwakhakha, and the West Nile region, where students frequently cross into Uganda to attend school but fail to register as foreign learners.
Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasised the gravity of the situation, saying: “When students attempt to register for national exams, they face challenges because they lack Learner Identification Numbers, which are only issued to Ugandan nationals or officially registered foreign students.”
He added; “This oversight not only jeopardises students’ academic futures but also places schools at risk of legal consequences.”
Uganda hosts approximately 50,000 foreign students, yet only 14,000 are officially registered.
The discrepancy is most pronounced along borders with Kenya, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where many students commute daily to Ugandan schools without documentation.
Families in border areas often cross in and out for education and other activities.
However, Mundeyi says “schools must ensure these students are registered to avoid legal challenges and ensure compliance with national policies.”
Foreign learners from East African Community (EAC) member states are eligible for free student passes, while students from non-EAC countries must pay $100 (around Uganda shillings 360,000).
At Tororo Progressive Academy, one of the schools with a significant number of foreign learners, headteacher Jovan Awira Obel highlighted ongoing challenges.
Out of 921 students in the school, 100 are Kenyan nationals, and they face consistent difficulties registering them for identification numbers.
He says equating their academic qualifications is also expensive, and many parents struggle to meet this requirement. ‘’This is not unique to our school; many others face similar hurdles.” The Headteacher noted
Immigration authorities have reiterated the importance of compliance to avoid disruption of students’ education and ensure lawful practices in cross-border education. Schools enrolling unregistered learners have been advised to regularize their status promptly.
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