Mukono District Local Government has intensified its efforts to improve education standards through an inspection and enforcement exercise that resulted in the closure of four private schools in Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council for failing to meet the minimum operational standards required by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The operation was conducted by the Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council Education Department led by the Inspector of Schools, Ms. Irene Cherop, with support from district authorities and local leaders. The affected schools include Teso Standard Junior School, Creamfield High School (formerly known as Rains High School), Rockview Nursery and Primary School, and Super Quality School in Nakifuma.
According to Ms. Irene Cherop, the schools had previously been issued warnings and given sufficient time to address deficiencies identified during earlier inspections. However, the proprietors failed to comply with the recommendations and standards required for operation.
“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. Before taking this action, we issued several warnings, provided inspection reports, and guided them on what needed to be improved, but unfortunately many of them failed to comply,” Ms. Cherop said.
She revealed that some of the schools lacked basic facilities such as toilets for learners, while others operated in dilapidated structures that posed serious risks to the safety and wellbeing of children.
“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 added.
Ms. Cherop further noted that some school operators ignored guidance from education authorities, believing they were protected by influential connections. She emphasized that government would continue enforcing standards regardless of an institution’s ownership or affiliations.
The Inspector of Schools explained that quality education is not determined solely by school buildings but also by the presence of effective management systems, qualified teachers, proper sanitation facilities, adequate learning materials, and a safe environment for learners.
She confirmed that the closed schools will only be allowed to reopen after fully addressing the concerns raised during inspections and meeting all operational requirements set by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The Deputy Speaker of Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council ,Hon Nakatebe Milly called upon parents whose children have been affected by the closures to remain calm and transfer them to nearby government schools or other licensed institutions that meet the required standards.
He also warned proprietors of schools that are still operating but have unresolved compliance issues to urgently improve their facilities and management systems to avoid similar action.
Local leaders have since intensified community sensitization campaigns aimed at helping parents understand the characteristics of a good school and the importance of enrolling children in institutions that prioritize quality education and learner welfare.
Speaking on the ongoing district-wide inspection exercise, Mukono District Communication Officer Mr. Kaddu Derrick said the operation is part of the district’s broader commitment to safeguarding learners and improving education standards.
He emphasized that the closure of non-compliant schools should not be viewed as punishment but rather as a necessary intervention to protect children and ensure that all schools operate within established government guidelines.
“Government has clear standards that every school must meet before it is allowed to operate. Our responsibility is to ensure that every child studies in a safe, conducive, and well-managed learning environment,” Mr. Kaddu said.
He urged parents to cooperate with local authorities during the transition process and encouraged school proprietors to work closely with education officials to improve infrastructure, strengthen management systems, and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Mr. Kaddu further noted that inspections and monitoring exercises will continue across Mukono District to ensure that education standards are maintained and that the interests of learners always remain protected.
The enforcement exercise forms part of Mukono District Local Government’s ongoing efforts to promote quality education, strengthen accountability among private school operators, and ensure that every learner has access to a safe and conducive environment for learning.
The closure of four substandard private schools in Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council demonstrates Mukono District’s commitment to enforcing education standards and protecting the welfare of learners. District leaders have emphasized that all schools must meet the minimum requirements set by government before being allowed to operate.
Through continuous inspections, community sensitization, and collaboration with school proprietors, Mukono District aims to improve the quality of education, promote accountability, and ensure that every child receives education in a safe, well-managed, and conducive learning environment.
