This Bridge School in Kasokoso near Kampala is one of a string of schools around the country under the Bridge schools International Franchise. Earlier, the Education Ministry had restricted the bridge schools from operating without a license but one just like other schools across the country opened for the first term on the first day. The Country Director of Bridge Schools in Uganda Morrison Rwakakamba said they provided all the necessary documents for certification and were only awaiting a response from the Ministry of Education. “Our files were submitted over 10 months ago and some other files even before, so they have been with the Ministry of Education.” Said, Morrison Rwakakamba – Country Director, Bridge Schools Uganda.

In a letter dated 29th January 2018, the Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry stated that all schools that provided the required documents to the Ministry before the opening of the first school term will not be affected. Rwakakamba said they did as was required. “And the PS clarified that there is a huge backlog in the Ministry of Education especially the Primary desk.” “We have already sent circulars to all schools and to all districts not to allow any school that does not have a license.” Said, Rosemary Sseninde – State Minister for Primary Education. Meanwhile, the Federation of Non-State Education Institutions urged the government to engage private school owners on the best way to fulfill their requirements for operation instead of rushing to close the schools because the learners in the affected schools and their parents will be inconvenienced. “What we need to see are the schools to be open, put an understanding a framework that helps them to improve and not to kill them.” Said, Patrick Kaboyo – Gen. Sec. Federation of Non-State Education Institutions. Some of the requirements included having a playground, the school should be in a safe environment for learning and appropriate and adequate toilet facilities among others.

According to the Federation, the government has failed to clear the files of many schools leading to delays in certification due to a backlog which accumulated needlessly. “However, we are very glad the Permanent Secretary promised just a few weeks ago that they are making sure they add in more manpower into that department to look into all old files and make sure they are cleared.” Said, Hajjat Sauja Ndifuna – Vice Chairperson, Federation of Non-State Education Institutions. In the statement, the Federation said at least 300 schools across the country have been affected by the government directive for the schools that have not met the standards to operate.