Students of Namisindwa Senior Secondary School have been left at the centre of a growing controversy after the school was temporarily closed following concerns over poor sanitation and alleged financial mismanagement.
The decision was announced by Uganda’s Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, after an inspection revealed that the school was operating with non-functional toilet facilities, a situation he said put the health and dignity of learners at risk.
With more than 600 students relying on the school’s facilities, the minister questioned why basic sanitation had been neglected despite the institution receiving about UGX 44 million in government funding every term to support its operations.
“The welfare of learners must come first,” the minister said, directing that the school’s headteacher be suspended as investigations into the matter continue.
Balaam also raised concerns over reports that students had been charged UGX 65,000, saying the fees were against the government’s directive on free education in government-funded schools. He instructed the headteacher and other officials involved to appear before investigative authorities to explain how public funds were managed and why unauthorized charges were imposed on students.
The closure has sparked conversations among parents, education stakeholders, and the wider community about the importance of accountability in schools and ensuring that government resources directly benefit learners.
As investigations proceed, authorities are expected to determine whether there was negligence or misuse of funds and recommend appropriate action against those found responsible.
Meanwhile, preparations for the minister’s visit saw road repair works accelerated in Namisindwa District, with construction crews reportedly working through the night to improve access ahead of his inspection.
