Six directors arrested as Kagadi authorities shut unlicensed schools

Police in Kagadi District have arrested six directors and head teachers of private primary schools for allegedly operating without valid licenses from the Ministry of Education and Sports.

The arrests were made on Monday as schools reopened for second term, during a joint operation led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jeremy Namanya and district school inspectors. The team targeted schools that had ignored earlier directives to obtain operational licenses.

Among those affected were Nyaruziba SDA Nursery and Primary School, Nankulabye Demonstration Nursery and Primary School, Kitonzi Demonstration Nursery and Primary School in Kagadi Town Council, Elite Education Centre in Mpeefu Town Council, City Light Nursery and Primary School, and Kurukuru Parents Nursery and Primary School in Mpeefu, Buyaga West.

Authorities found the schools conducting lessons despite lacking the required licenses. Pupils who had reported were sent home and told to inform their parents to enroll them in legally authorized schools.

“The Chief Administrative Officer ordered the closure of such schools, and letters were addressed to proprietors warning them to comply with the requirements,” said Julius Alinda, Senior Inspector of Schools in Kagadi District. “Now we are identifying those who defied the directive, and those found operating illegally are being held accountable,” he added.

District officials said the operation followed several warnings issued to proprietors last term. The Kagadi District Education Department had written to unlicensed school owners, directing them to apply for the required documents before this term.

A report released by the district education commissioner in April 2026 indicated that about 200 private primary schools in Kagadi were operating without authorization.

Resident District Commissioner Caroline Nanshemeza said the district security committee had resolved to take firm action. “Following the security meeting, we resolved that these schools should be closed and the owners apprehended. My deputy is on the ground conducting the operation,” she said. “The operation will continue until all schools without a valid license are closed and their owners arrested,” she added.

Officials said licensing ensures schools meet minimum standards for infrastructure, staffing, sanitation, safety, and quality of education. “Allowing unlicensed schools to operate puts learners at risk and undermines efforts to improve education standards,” authorities said.

By press time Monday evening, police were still holding the suspects as investigations continued.

The crackdown has left some parents frustrated. “We reported our child to school early in the morning only to be told to return home. We support government efforts to enforce standards, but authorities should ensure that parents are informed in advance so that we can make alternative arrangements,” said Mugisa Ibrahim, a parent from Mpeefu Town Council.

Musa Guevera, whose child was attending one of the closed schools, said many parents had already paid fees and bought scholastic materials.

“It is painful because we have already spent money on fees, books and uniforms. We are now wondering whether the money we paid will be refunded. The district should help parents during this transition,” he said.

Allan Friday, another parent in Kagadi Town Council, said the action was necessary but blamed school proprietors for failing to comply.

“As parents, we entrust schools with our children’s future. If the schools knew they did not have licenses, they should have complied with government requirements earlier. We want our children to study in safe and recognized institutions,” he said.