The government of Uganda has issued a strong warning to health institutions operating without valid licenses, urging them to close immediately.
This directive was issued by the Minister of State for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, who stressed that it is entirely unacceptable for such institutions to put the lives of students and the public at risk.
He emphasized that many institutions are operating illegally by starting without proper licenses, which poses serious threats to the quality of education and healthcare services provided.
Minister Muyingo’s warning follows the recent closure of Luweero School of Clinical Officers, which was found to be operating without a valid license.
The closure of this institution raised concerns about the regulatory oversight in Uganda’s health education sector and the safety of students enrolled in such institutions.
In a press briefing at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala on Wednesday, Muyingo stated, it is crucial that the government uphold standards in all education sectors, particularly in healthcare, where the lives of individuals are directly affected.
He also noted that the closure of unlicensed institutions is part of a broader effort by the government to ensure that all education institutions, especially those involved in training health professionals, adhere to strict regulatory guidelines.
In addition to the closure of unlicensed health institutions, Minister Muyingo called on authorities to step up their efforts in monitoring and regulating educational institutions across the country.
He underscored that the failure to regulate these institutions properly could lead to a breakdown in the quality of healthcare delivery in Uganda, which could have long-lasting effects on the country’s health system.
The Ministry of Education has already begun conducting investigations into other health institutions to ensure they comply with the necessary requirements, and further action is expected in the coming months to ensure that the education system remains transparent and accountable.
By Olivia Nabaggala
26th Mar, 2025
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