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Uganda: Entebbe Schools Ordered to Close Boarding Sections
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New Vision (Kampala)
13 May 2008
Posted to the web 14 May 2008
Vision Reporter
Kampala
ENTEBBE municipality teachers have protested orders to close boarding sections in primary schools. At a recent meeting, teachers under the municipal teachers association said closing of the schools will disorganise many pupils.
They complained that many of the pupils in their boarding sections were looked after by voluntary organisations that pay school fees for a full year, so they cannot send away the pupils.
In an April 24 letter from the town clerk Joseph Kimbowa, the schools were directed to close all illegal boarding sections or face prosecution.
Kimbowa said the Government policy does not allow primary schools to operate boarding sections.
"During our recent inspection of Entebbe schools, it was observed that most of you are operating boarding facilities in sub-standard structures. This puts the children's health and safety at risk," the letter said.
Kimbowa also asked proprietors of private schools to produce evidence of licences obtained to operate boarding sections.
A survey revealed that most of the private schools did not have the permits to operate boarding sections.
But the teachers said Council officials inspected some schools and advised them to hire dormitory keepers and stop using triple-deckers, saying they led to congestion.
They also recommended that the schools use double deckers and also put a number of fire extinguishers and second doors on all dormitories.
The teachers suggested that instead of telling them to close their schools, the council set safety measures and monitor the schools.
School management committee members blamed the Government for trying to run the private schools.
They criticised it for abolishing the Parents and Teacher's Association, saying it was the bridge between the two groups where a lot of developments were achieved.
"Look at a school like Lake Victoria School which is collapsing now because of lack of money! We used to sit in the meetings and decide what was good for our children!" one parent commented bitterly.
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He advised the Government to consider restoring PTA before the Primary education is ruined.
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