RUBIRIZI
At least fifteen private primary schools in Rubirizi district were on Thursday 5th June 2025, closed by the Office of Education and Sports for operating outside legally approved safety and operational standards.
The closure follows an inspection by the district education department and forms part of a wider government initiative to enforce compliance with national education requirements.
The affected schools include Hill Top Primary School, Starlight Primary School, St. Hellen’s, Bright Stars, Good Shepherd, Mother Care, Good Hope Junior School, and Parental Care. Additionally, St. Alphonse Nursery and Primary School, Devine Mercy Nursery School, and Nyandongo Full Gospel Primary School were also shut down.
District Inspector of Schools, Mary Kyomugisha, explained that the closures are a direct result of the government’s commitment to enforcing basic requirements and minimum standards for educational institutions. She emphasized the district’s aim to enhance the quality, accessibility and affordability of education for Ugandan citizens.
“The closures are aimed at protecting learners and ensuring that every school meets the minimum operational requirements,” Kyomugisha said.
Rubirizi District Education Officer, Steven Biiru Warufu, revealed that the proprietors were notified in advance and given ample time to comply before the operation.
“We held meeting with school heads prior to the start of the second term, and warned them that failure to comply would lead to closure. However, many administrators failed to attend or comply with the outlined requirements. This is not a surprise to anyone,” Warufu explained.
Officials emphasized that the crackdown is not intended to frustrate private education providers, but to protect the rights of learners and ensure they access quality, safe, and affordable education.
Meanwhile, parents have been advised to transfer their children to licensed institutions while affected schools work towards compliance
