RUBIRIZI – Unlicensed schools operating without government approval in Rubirizi District have been issued a final ultimatum: register immediately or face closure, with owners facing arrest and prosecution.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The stern caution was delivered by the Rubirizi District Education Officer (DEO), Mr. Biiru Steven Warufu, during the Term One closing ceremony at St. Joseph’s High School in Rubirizi over the weekend.
Biiru stated that operating a school without a licence endangers the safety and future of learners and warned that all schools in Rubirizi must secure government approval before further operations.
He emphasised that unlicensed schools often fail to meet minimum standards for quality education and child protection, as the District Education Department has launched a comprehensive inspection of illegal institutions.
“Any school owner operating without a licence or government approval is endangering children’s lives and will face the full force of the law. We are coming soon, and we shall shut down every illegal school, arrest the proprietors, and prosecute them in court because no learner’s safety will be compromised under my watch,” stated DEO Steven.
The DEO acknowledged that the district welcomes investors to reduce school dropouts and illiteracy caused by long distances but stressed that no institution will be allowed to operate without prior assessment and formal licensing.
Rubirizi Town Council Mayor, Mr. John Magezi, has called on parents to remain vigilant during the short holiday by monitoring their children closely, teaching them home chores to build practical skills, and providing counselling.
He urged students to continue reading during the break and return to school well-disciplined, fresh, and knowledgeable, while encouraging parents to pray together and share parenting duties throughout the holiday period.
Rubirizi RDC Mr. Ahamedi Kinene and LC5 Chairperson Mr. Aguba Silvester jointly declared that any headteacher found charging fees in government schools during the school term will be arrested and charged.
The leaders also appealed to parents to cooperate with school heads in meeting learners’ essential needs to ensure that children study without disruption, while calling on families to take joint responsibility for their children’s education.
They strongly cautioned that a family which fails to educate a child risks producing thieves, sex workers, drug users, or vagrants in the community, thus urging parents to enroll their children in faith-based schools.
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