Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-22 18:56:38
The government has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of all boarding schools across the country in an effort to shut down those operating illegally and failing to meet minimum standards. Francis Atima, the director of the standards department at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the need to take action to prevent further loss of innocent lives due to negligence by school proprietors.
The decision to conduct the audit comes in the wake of a tragic incident at Victory Nursery and Primary School in Busia District, where a dormitory fire claimed the lives of four pupils and caused extensive damage to school property. Atima visited the school and discovered that the owner did not have a license to operate a boarding school and failed to meet basic requirements such as proper ventilation and emergency exits.
Atima highlighted the overcrowded and poorly equipped dormitory, noting that it did not meet safety standards set by the government. He emphasized the importance of having adequate exits and ventilation in dormitories to ensure the safety of students in case of emergencies.
Following the incident at Victory Nursery and Primary School, Atima also visited Bill and Polly Nursery School in Busia District, where another dormitory fire occurred. Upon inspection, Atima found that the school was operating without a license and using inadequate facilities as dormitories. As a result, he ordered the immediate closure of the school to prevent further risks to students.
Safina Mutumba, the Principal Education Officer in charge of basic education, accompanied Atima during the inspections and expressed concern over the lack of compliance with minimum standards in schools. Mutumba emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of regulations by security authorities to ensure the safety of students across the country.
The government’s efforts to crackdown on illegal and substandard boarding schools have gained momentum, with plans to conduct audits in other districts as well. Mutumba warned that schools found to be operating below the required standards will face closure to protect the well-being of students.
In a related development, First Lady and Education Minister Janet Museveni paid tribute to the four pupils who lost their lives in the fire at Victory Nursery and Primary School. She expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and provided financial support for burial expenses and medical bills for the injured student.
The government’s commitment to improving safety standards in boarding schools is a critical step towards ensuring the well-being of students and preventing future tragedies. By conducting audits and enforcing regulations, authorities aim to eliminate the risks posed by illegal and substandard schools, ultimately creating a safer learning environment for all students.
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