Uganda Partially Closes School After Sex Abuse Claims

Ugandan authorities have closed the boarding section of a primary school in the central Mubende region after seven schoolboys reported to have been sexually abused by the school’s caretaker.

Local media report that the caretaker pleaded guilty to the charges in court last week and is waiting for sentencing.

State Minister for Primary Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu, on Sunday said congestion in the school had provided “fertile ground” for the abuse of learners.

Some 350 boarding pupils at the school were sleeping on triple-deck beds in five small rooms, the Daily Monitor website reports.

“I want you [school management] to tell the parents that you have been operating an illegal boarding section and no guidelines were being followed,” the minister said when she visited the school.

She also faulted local education officials for not inspecting schools.

Schools in Uganda require a government licence to operate boarding sections.

Source: BBC