In Summary: The Ministry of Education and Sports has warned schools operating boarding sections without authorisation that they risk enforcement action. State Minister for Education (Sports) Peter Ogwang says boarding facilities must meet safety, supervision, hygiene and infrastructure standards, while MPs have called for regular inspections and better provisions for learners with disabilities.
Kampala, Uganda — The Ministry of Education and Sports has warned schools operating boarding sections without authorisation that they risk enforcement action, as the government moves to strengthen learner safety and improve standards in boarding facilities across the country.
State Minister for Education (Sports) Peter Ogwang issued the warning while presenting a statement on the requirements for operating boarding sections during a plenary sitting of Parliament on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Ogwang said the ministry had established guidelines to ensure boarding facilities are properly authorised, adequately resourced and regularly inspected, with the welfare of learners placed at the centre of their operations.
“A boarding section must be properly authorised, adequately resourced, regularly inspected and run in the best interests of learners,” Ogwang said.
He said schools must ensure that learners are properly supervised, have clear procedures for reporting abuse, and receive appropriate food and nutrition under acceptable hygiene standards. “Responsibilities for financing and maintenance must also be clear,” the minister added.
Ogwang warned that schools would be required to address gaps identified during inspections, while facilities operating unlawfully or exposing learners to unacceptable risks would face appropriate 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.
The minister also clarified the position of boarding in Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools, saying it is voluntary and should support access to basic 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,” Ogwang said.
He cautioned administrators of UPE and USE schools against diverting funds to unauthorised boarding operations, adding that the ministry would conduct periodic reviews to establish the need for boarding facilities in such schools.
MPs call for stronger safety measures
Members of Parliament welcomed the proposed guidelines, saying effective enforcement and regular supervision would be necessary to protect learners.
Kilak South County MP Gilbert Olanya described the guidelines as an important control measure and warned against leaving schools to operate boarding facilities without adequate safeguards.
“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 called on the ministry to conduct regular inspections to ensure schools comply with the required safety standards. “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 boarding schools provide accessible facilities for learners with special needs. She said infrastructure such as ramps and accessible toilets should be included in school facilities to prevent children with disabilities from being excluded or facing barriers to participation.
“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,” Kanushu said.
Kira Municipality MP George Musisi, of the National Unity Platform (NUP), said the guidelines should also take into account differences in geographical location and the challenges faced by schools 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,” Musisi said.
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