In Uganda, every school operates under a specific name and physical address as required by Section 32(2) of the Education (Pre-Primary, Primary and Post-Primary) Act, 2008. The registered location is tied to the school’s land title or tenancy agreement, which defines the legal site of operation.
If a school owner plans to move to a new location, they must first obtain official approval from the Permanent Secretary (PS), Education Secretary (ES), Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), or Town Clerk. Changing a school’s location without prior authorization is a serious violation that can lead to school closure and revocation of the registration certificate, according to Section 37(2) of the Act.
Procedure for Change of School Location
- Submit a formal application
The school proprietor must write to the PS/ES or CAO/Town Clerk requesting approval to change the school’s location. The letter should clearly explain the reason for relocation. - Attach supporting documents
The application must include the following reports:- District Inspector of Schools’ report confirming the suitability of the new site.
- District Health Inspector’s report verifying health and sanitation standards.
- Directorate of Education Standards (DES) report assessing the new location.
- Pay the prescribed fee
Once the application form is completed, pay the required fee through cash, cheque, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). If paying by cheque, address it to the Accountant General, Ministry of Education and Sports. - Verification and approval
The Ministry’s responsible department will review and verify your documents. Upon confirmation of compliance, the application will be approved. - Issuance of certificate
After approval, the Ministry will issue a certificate confirming the school’s new location. This certificate officially authorizes the school to operate from its new premises. - Timing of relocation
To avoid disruption of studies, the school should only relocate at the end of the academic year.
Required Documents
When applying for a change of school location in Uganda, the following documents are mandatory:
- Copy of the school license letter.
- Original certificate of registration.
- Minutes from the Board of Governors (BOG) approving the relocation and outlining the reasons.
- District Inspector of Schools’ report on the new site.
- District Health report verifying sanitary standards.
- DES report assessing compliance of the new location.
- List of school directors and their qualifications.
- Classroom and furniture inventory for the new premises.
- List of teachers, their registration certificates, qualifications, and appointment letters.
- Land title or tenancy agreement for the new site.
It is also advisable to attach the site plan, playground layout, and building inspection reports for a smoother evaluation process.
Eligibility
Any registered school under the Ministry of Education and Sports is eligible to apply for a change of location.
Fees
The issuance of a new certificate confirming the change of location is subject to payment of a prescribed fee, as determined by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Processing Time
Processing takes an average of five (5) working days once all requirements and payments are submitted.
Validity of Certificate
The certificate confirming the school’s new location remains valid indefinitely, provided the school continues to meet national education and health standards.
Contact Information
Ministry of Education and Sports – Head Office
Legacy Towers, Nakasero, Kyadondo Road (Block A & B)
P.O. Box 7063, Kampala, Uganda
Alternate Office: Embassy House, King George VI Way
Tel: 0417 893 600 (General) / 0417 893 615 (Public Relations)
Email: [email protected]
Website: education.go.ug
Additional Information
- The new site must comply with all health, safety, and education standards.
- Schools supported by development partners or community funding should inform all stakeholders before relocation.
- Schools are encouraged to maintain transparency with parents and the local education office throughout the process.
Purpose of the Procedure
Obtaining official approval for relocation ensures that schools operate in safe, sanitary, and suitable environments for learning. It also enables the Ministry to maintain accurate national education records and prevent unauthorized institutions from operating.
Other Uses of the Certificate
The certificate of change of location can be used for:
- Official inspection and compliance audits.
- Loan or grant applications requiring proof of registration.
- Accreditation or partnership processes with educational bodies.
