MUKONO — Authorities in Mukono District have closed four private schools in Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council after inspections revealed serious violations of the minimum standards required for educational institutions to operate.
The affected schools are Teso Standard Junior School, Creamfield High School, Rockview Nursery and Primary School, and Super Quality School.
The enforcement exercise was conducted by the Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council Education Department under the leadership of Inspector of Schools Irene Cherop, with support from district officials and local leaders.
According to Cherop, the schools had previously received inspection reports, warnings and recommendations highlighting areas that required urgent improvement.
However, the proprietors failed to implement the necessary changes despite being given adequate time to comply.
"We have closed all the schools that were sampled because none of them could meet even 20 percent of the required standards for operating a school. Before taking this action, they had been given inspection reports and enough time to address the issues raised," Cherop said.
Inspection findings revealed that some of the schools lacked basic sanitation facilities, including toilets for learners, while others were operating in dilapidated structures considered unsafe for children.
Authorities said the conditions posed significant risks to the health, safety and wellbeing of learners and could no longer be tolerated.
Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council Deputy Speaker Milly Nakatebe appealed to parents affected by the closures to remain calm and transfer their children to nearby government schools or other licensed institutions that meet the required standards.
She assured parents that authorities were working to ensure that affected learners continue their education without major disruption.
Mukono District Communication Officer Derrick Kaddu said the operation forms part of an ongoing district-wide inspection exercise aimed at improving education standards and safeguarding learners.
He emphasized that the closure of non-compliant schools should be viewed as a protective measure rather than a punitive action against proprietors.
"Government has clear standards that every school must meet before it is allowed to operate. Our responsibility is to ensure that every child studies in a safe, conducive and well-managed learning environment," Kaddu said.
District authorities warned that the affected schools will remain closed until they fully address the deficiencies identified during inspections and satisfy all operational requirements set by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The closures come amid heightened efforts by education authorities across the country to enforce compliance with minimum standards in both private and public learning institutions.
