The Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports has issued sweeping new guidelines aimed at curbing growing displays of opulence in schools, particularly during social functions such as prom parties and student elections.
The directive, which takes effect immediately, bars the use of luxury vehicles, helicopters, and lavish spending on student events—a trend that has sparked concern among education officials and parents alike.
The ministry’s move follows reports of students paying up to 20 million Ugandan shillings to secure ceremonial titles such as ‘President’ or ‘Governor’ at school proms—once modest events that have recently evolved into extravagant affairs.
In a circular dated 16 May 2025, addressed to all heads of schools and local government authorities, Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda emphasised the need for schools—both public and private—to enforce the new rules beginning in the second term of the academic year.
Under the new guidelines, students are forbidden from arriving at school functions in hired vehicles, motorcycles, or helicopters. All entertainment and co-curricular activities must be school-organised and should avoid placing undue financial strain on parents.
Strict Code of Conduct Introduced
The directive also sets a firm moral tone. Indecent dressing—such as miniskirts, transparent clothing, or tight-fitting garments—is strictly prohibited. So too are romantic pairings among students during school events.
All entertainment must take place during daylight hours and conclude by 6:00 p.m., with no events allowed during school holidays. Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use remain strictly forbidden on school premises.
In terms of content, the ministry now requires that all films, music, and dramatic performances be vetted and approved by the National Media Council, the Uganda Communications Commission, and the Ministry of Education. Content must be age-appropriate and educational in nature.
Visitation and Travel Restrictions
Schools are now limited to one official visitation day per term, with visiting hours restricted to between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Only those with official visitation cards will be permitted to enter school premises.
Additionally, the ministry has banned parents and guardians from bringing cooked or fast food into schools or preparing meals onsite. Family gatherings, parties, and camping on school grounds are also no longer allowed.
For school trips, all journeys must conclude by 6:00 p.m., and any planned stopovers must be declared in advance. Children in kindergarten are now excluded from all trips, while pupils in Primary 1 to 3 may participate only under exceptional circumstances and with close adult supervision.
Foreign trips, meanwhile, must receive prior approval from the ministry. Each such trip must include a detailed itinerary, a breakdown of costs, and be accompanied by at least one teacher and two parents.
Student Elections Under Scrutiny
Student leadership campaigns will also face tighter controls. The use of campaign merchandise such as posters, branded T-shirts, or caps is now banned. So too is the hiring of music bands, vehicles, or the involvement of external actors—including parents or political parties.
Candidates are prohibited from offering voters food, gifts, or any other form of inducement. Violators risk disqualification and disciplinary action.
Dr. Turyagyenda said the ministry’s decision was informed by the need to refocus schools on their core mandate—education, character development, and the equitable treatment of learners.
“These guidelines are not meant to stifle creativity or celebration,” she noted, “but to ensure that no child is left behind because of pressure to conform to unsustainable social trends. Schools must remain places of learning, not competition for social status.”
The directive is the latest in a series of measures aimed at tightening discipline in Ugandan schools and shielding children from growing consumerist influences.
