MBARARA CITY
Mbarara High School has abolished the traditional Senior Four and Senior Six leavers' party, commonly known as prom or sosh, replacing it with a candidates' trip in line with new guidelines from the Ministry of Education and Sports. A prom is a formal end-of-school celebration for senior students, typically featuring dancing, music, and socialising.
It marks the completion of secondary school and is often an opportunity for students to dress up and celebrate with classmates. In a circular dated February 6, 2026, addressed to parents and guardians, the school said the decision follows Circular No. 7/2025 on the safe conduct of entertainment and co-curricular activities in post-primary institutions.
The guidelines prohibit entertainment activities that encourage inappropriate interaction between male and female learners. "Parties inside schools involving male and female learners mingling are prohibited. Encouraging or allowing learners to pair up or make couples during entertainment events, in imitation of marriage or romantic relationships, is strictly prohibited," the circular reads.
The school said the culture of holding joint male-female parties has been stopped and that the terms prom or sosh will no longer be used.
"The word 'sosh' or 'prom' is no more; hence the phrase candidates' trip or picnic," the statement adds.
The candidates' trip will take place from February 20 to 21, 2026, with each candidate required to contribute Shs120,000.
Nkurunziza Allan, the patron teacher in charge of entertainment, said the school is implementing the ministry guidelines to safeguard learners.
"We are complying with the ministry guidelines to ensure the safety and moral well-being of our students," Nkurunziza said.
Torch Media Africa
