Written By | Jovita Hasto
Mr Johnson Abakunda the Ibanda Municipal Education Officer. he says mushrooming schools with no standards put the ducation system in the area at risk
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IBANDA
The Ibanda District Education Officer, Mr Johnson Abakunda, has warned proprietors and investors against establishing schools that do not meet the required standards, citing a growing number of institutions operating without proper legal guidance and approval.
Abakunda said the mushrooming of schools is exposing learners to various risks, noting that some institutions employ unqualified staff, operate with inadequate infrastructure and lack the required licences.
"In line with the government's liberalisation policy, individuals have the right to establish educational institutions, and we cannot deny them that opportunity. However, there are guidelines that must be followed, including minimum standards on infrastructure, staffing and qualified teachers," he said.
Abakunda said his office has been conducting inspections and supervision exercises to ensure that schools comply with government regulations and maintain acceptable standards.
He revealed that during a recent inspection exercise conducted jointly with the Resident District Commissioner's (RDC) office, two schools were closed.
"In the first term, we closed two schools. We also found many others operating with only four classrooms and two or fewer teachers. We have advised them on the measures they need to take to meet the required standards," he said.
Abakunda said warning letters had been issued to schools operating without licences, directing them to fulfil the requirements for registration. He added that institutions with inadequate facilities would either be closed or required to reduce enrolment to manageable levels.
"We provided them with written guidance outlining what they should do. We shall return at the beginning of the third term to assess compliance. If the requirements have been met, we shall recommend them for licensing and registration. If not, we shall advise them accordingly, including reducing the number of classes or closing some sections," he said.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Ibanda, Mr Guma Godwin Nabireeba, urged school proprietors to prioritise the safety and security of learners, in line with government policy.
Although schools reopened for the second term, the RDC's office has also issued guidelines aimed at preventing and controlling the spread of Ebola.
Nabireeba said inspection exercises have continued amid concerns over schools operating without licences and others being located in unsafe environments.
He urged schools that had been warned to work towards addressing the identified shortcomings.
"Schools found with dilapidated structures and those located in risky areas were warned. We want them to work closely with our office and the education authorities so that we can address these issues before risks arise," he said.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening security in schools, calling on institutions to employ security guards to ensure round-the-clock protection.
"I want to emphasise the issue of security in schools. Security personnel should be present at schools 24 hours a day because some institutions have experienced challenges with intruders who disrupt peace and safety," he added.
