Four private schools in Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council, Mukono District, have been closed after failing to meet basic operational and safety standards set by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The affected schools are Teso Standard Junior School, Cream Field High School (formerly Rains High School), Rock View Nursery and Primary School, and Super Quality School.
The closures followed an inspection exercise conducted by the Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council Education Department, which found that the institutions had failed to address several concerns despite repeated warnings. The inspection was led by Inspector of Schools Ms. Irene Cherop, with support from district authorities and local leaders.Cherop said the schools had been given enough time to improve, but failed to comply with the required standards.
“We have closed all the schools that were sampled because none of them could meet even 20 percent of the required standards for operating a school,” Cherop said. “Before taking this action, we issued several warnings, provided inspection reports, and guided them on what needed to be improved. Unfortunately, many of them failed to comply.” She cited challenges including inadequate sanitation facilities, unsafe structures, limited learning materials, and weak management systems.Cherop accused some school operators of prioritising profits over the safety and quality of education provided to learners.
“Education is both a service and a responsibility. While we are focused on quality education, learner safety, and compliance with standards, some proprietors appeared more concerned about making profits than improving the learning environment,” she said.She warned that the district would continue enforcing education standards without considering political connections or influence.
The Deputy Speaker of Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council, Milly Nakatebey, urged affected parents to remain calm and transfer their children to nearby government schools or other compliant private institutions. “We call upon parents to work with us during this transition,” Nakatebe said.She also warned other private school operators with pending compliance issues to act quickly or risk similar action.
Mukono District Communication Officer, Derrik Kaddu, said the closures are part of a wider district campaign to improve education standards and protect learners.“Government has clear standards that every school must meet before it is allowed to operate,” Kaddu said. “Our responsibility is to ensure that every child studies in a safe, conducive, and well-managed learning environment,” Kaddu said the closures should not be viewed as punishment but as an intervention aimed at protecting children.
He added that the affected schools will only be allowed to reopen after addressing all identified gaps and receiving clearance from the Ministry of Education and Sports. District officials say inspections and monitoring will continue across Mukono to ensure all schools meet the required standards. URN