Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Rubirizi District Education Officer after meeting the head teachers inthe district.
Search
RUBIRIZI
The Rubirizi District Education Officer, Steven Biiru Warufu, has launched a crackdown on private schools operating without government approval, warning that illegal institutions will be closed and their proprietors prosecuted. Speaking during a Term One closing meeting at St. Joseph’s High School in Rubirizi, Biiru said any individual running a school without a valid license and meeting required government standards risks immediate arrest. He noted that unlicensed schools often fail to meet safety and academic requirements, putting learners at risk.
While acknowledging the role of private investors in expanding access to education and reducing long travel distances for students, Biiru emphasized that all schools must undergo formal assessment and approval before opening. He revealed that the district has already begun inspections targeting institutions with inadequate facilities and weak security systems, which leave learners vulnerable to criminal activity.
Fr Fabias Bainakanama, Parish Priest Nyakasura Parish leading the Christians after the mass at the church
At the same event, Rubirizi Town Council Mayor John Magezi urged parents to use the short holiday to guide and mentor their children. He encouraged families to involve children in domestic work to build life skills and provide counseling to ensure they return for Term Two disciplined and focused.
However, concerns over illegal school fees in government institutions dominated part of the meeting. Resident District Commissioner Kinene Ahamedi and LC5 Chairperson Sylvester Aguba condemned head teachers who continue to charge unauthorized fees, warning that such actions violate government policy.
The leaders cautioned that any head teacher found collecting illegal fees would face arrest. They also called on parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s education, warning that neglect often contributes to rising cases of vagrancy, drug abuse, and crime.
The event, which included a thanksgiving Mass to mark the school’s feast day, also addressed broader social issues. Rev. Fr. Fabias Bainakanama, Parish Priest of Nyakasura Parish, urged parents to end domestic violence and embrace responsible family planning.
“Parents should stop having children they cannot support. This leads to poverty and school dropouts,” he said, while also condemning alcohol abuse, infidelity, and domestic violence. He encouraged couples to pray together and raise children in a stable and loving environment.
Steven Biiru, District Education Officer Rubirizi
Dr. Wilfred Nahamya, Deputy Executive Director of the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board and a founder of the school, called for greater emphasis on vocational skills. He said the school was established to address challenges of distance and limited access to quality education in the district.
“Bringing quality education closer to the community will improve academic performance and reduce illiteracy,” he noted.
School head teacher Benedicto Byagaba concluded by urging parents to protect their children—especially girls—from teenage pregnancy and HIV during the holidays. He emphasized the importance of meeting children’s basic needs and instilling discipline and moral values.
“When you educate a girl child, you educate the nation,” he said.
Torch Media Africa
