Approximately 5,000 students in Jinja District are facing a grim future as authorities have instructed 25 primary schools not to reopen for the first term.

These schools, including New Hope Primary School, St Patrick Kalema, Kagoma Model, Glory Land, Victoria Junior, Born Global, Williams, Estoni, Highway, Victory Kindergarten, Green View, and St Junior, are all located in Butagaya sub-county.

Additionally, schools such as Excel Primary School, Buyengo Children’s Centre, and Oxford Primary School, among others, located in Buyengo sub-county, have also been affected.

The closure of these schools is a result of their failure to meet the Ministry of Education and Sports’ requirements for continued operation.

Mr. Eriya Kisambira, the Jinja District inspector of schools, stated that out of the 100 schools inspected, 25 did not meet the minimum standards set by the Ministry and have been closed.

During an impromptu inspection conducted by Mr. Kisambira’s department before the start of the first term, these schools were found to be operating in commercial shops, lacking qualified staff, adequate space, latrines, and management committees, among other deficiencies.

Mr. Kisambira urged parents in Butagaya and Buyengo sub-counties to exercise caution when selecting schools for their children, as some of the closed schools may attempt to continue operating illegally.

In Iganga, Mr Baker Kasadhakawo, the district education officer, stated that the crackdown on illegal schools will begin once schools reopen.

He further mentioned that last year, all school managers were warned about missing requirements during the closure, and there will be no additional warning to prevent them from reopening.

Mr Muzamiru Musembya, the director of Buwenge Blue, Day and Boarding Primary School situated in Buwenge town council Jinja District, explained that to avoid closure, he ensured the construction of proper structures before starting the school.

“I took the necessary steps to construct an adequate number of classrooms because I was aware that it could be a reason for my school’s closure. Fortunately, my school has been in operation for over ten years without receiving any closure notice,” Mr Musembya stated.