KAMPALA, UGANDA — Kween County Member of Parliament William Chemonges has warned that Uganda is not yet prepared to implement a policy stopping boarding sections in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools, arguing that the country still lacks adequate access to primary and secondary education.

Speaking in Parliament today, Thursday, October 29, 2026, Chemonges said the proposed restrictions could negatively affect learners, particularly those in rural communities where schools remain scarce and distances to existing institutions are long.

Chemonges, who described himself as a product of UPE, questioned the government’s readiness to enforce the policy, noting that the commitment to establish at least one primary school per parish has not been fully implemented.

He observed that some parishes, despite having several villages, still lack UPE schools, forcing children to travel long distances to access education.

The legislator argued that expecting a Primary One pupil to walk approximately ten kilometres to school was unrealistic and could discourage school attendance.

Chemonges also raised concerns about the availability of secondary schools, saying some sub-counties still do not have institutions offering Universal Secondary Education (USE).

He questioned how the government expects parents to comply with a ban on boarding arrangements when nearby schools are either unavailable or too far from their homes.

“Your statement is good, fine, but we are not ready to do it,” Chemonges told the minister, cautioning that implementing the policy under the current circumstances could severely undermine access to education.

He further warned that enforcing the restrictions prematurely could have devastating consequences for the education sector, insisting that the government should first address gaps in school infrastructure and accessibility.

The MP’s remarks add to the debate on the proposed restrictions on boarding in UPE schools, highlighting concerns about the readiness of rural communities to transition to a system that relies more heavily on day schooling.

Chemonges began citing a recent visit to one of his schools to illustrate his concerns, but the available recording ends before he completes the example.

Radio 9FM Bukwo — Voice of the East.