Police in Kagadi District have arrested six directors and head teachers of private primary schools accused of operating without valid licenses from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The arrests were made on Monday as schools reopened for the second term during a joint operation led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jeremy Namanya and district school inspectors. The operation targeted schools that had reportedly ignored earlier directives to obtain operational licenses.
The affected schools include 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 already reported for classes were sent home and advised to inform their parents to enroll them in licensed schools.
“The Chief Administrative Officer ordered the closure of such schools, and letters were sent to proprietors warning them to comply with the requirements,” said Julius Alinda, the Senior Inspector of Schools in Kagadi District.
“We are now identifying those who defied the directive, and those found operating illegally are being held accountable,” he added.
District officials said the crackdown followed several warnings issued to proprietors during the previous term. The Kagadi District Education Department had earlier directed owners of unlicensed schools to secure the necessary documents before the beginning of the second term.
According to a report released by the district education commissioner in April 2026, about 200 private primary schools in Kagadi District were operating without authorization.
Resident District Commissioner Caroline Nanshemeza said the district security committee had resolved to take firm action against illegal schools.
“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 valid licenses are closed and their owners arrested,” she added.
Officials said the licensing process is meant to ensure schools meet minimum standards related to infrastructure, staffing, sanitation, safety, and quality of education.
“Allowing unlicensed schools to operate puts learners at risk and undermines efforts to improve education standards,” district authorities said.
By Monday evening, police were still holding the suspects as investigations continued.
The operation has, however, left some parents frustrated after their children were abruptly sent home.
“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 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 affected schools, said many parents had already paid school 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 operation was necessary but blamed school proprietors for failing to comply with government requirements.
“As parents, we entrust schools with our children’s future. If the schools knew they did not have licenses, they should have complied earlier. We want our children to study in safe and recognized institutions,” he said.
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