Schools face tougher rules on boarding facilities

By Issa Kigongo

The Ministry of Education and Sports has warned schools against operating unauthorised boarding sections, saying institutions that fail to meet safety standards will face action.

In a ministerial statement presented to Parliament in October 2026, Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports) Peter Ogwang said schools must obtain Ministry approval before opening boarding sections and comply with requirements on accommodation, sanitation, security and learner welfare.

The Ministry is particularly concerned about schools turning classrooms, laboratories, libraries and halls into dormitories, depriving learners of facilities meant for teaching and learning.

Under the guidelines, boarding facilities must provide adequate sleeping space, proper ventilation, sanitation, emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment and safe electrical installations.

Schools must also ensure proper supervision, trained staff, safeguarding measures and adequate arrangements for meals, nutrition and hygiene.

“The Ministry of Education and Sports regards the safety, protection, health and welfare of every learner as a fundamental responsibility,” the statement reads.

The requirements are contained in the Ministry’s Guidelines for Operating Boarding Sections in Schools and Institutions, including the 2024 guidance and the 2026 Basic Requirements and Minimum Standards.

The Ministry said boarding facilities would be regularly inspected to ensure they are properly maintained and meet the required standards.

UPE AND USE SCHOOLS CAUTIONED

The Ministry also warned schools implementing Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) against making boarding compulsory.

It said boarding must remain voluntary in these schools and that related charges should not prevent children from disadvantaged families from accessing basic education.

Schools were further cautioned against diverting public resources meant for teaching and learning to unauthorised boarding operations or expanding accommodation simply to increase enrolment and generate revenue.

The Ministry said it would periodically assess the need for boarding in every authorised UPE and USE school. Where the need no longer exists, the government may require the facility to be restructured or closed.

SCHOOLS RISK ACTION

The government said it would strengthen inspections and enforcement, requiring schools to correct any shortcomings identified.

Institutions operating without approval or exposing learners to unacceptable risks could face appropriate sanctions.

The Ministry acknowledged that boarding remains necessary for some learners, particularly those who live far from schools, come from hard-to-reach areas, have disabilities requiring specialised support or face other difficulties travelling to school daily.

However, it said such facilities must serve learners’ needs without compromising their safety, dignity or access to quality education.

“Boarding can serve a legitimate educational purpose. It must never, however, put learners at risk, take the place of instructional facilities or impose unlawful financial barriers to education,” the statement said.