The Attorney General of Uganda, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has declared that homeschooling in Uganda is illegal, citing the country’s laws that mandate parents and guardians to enroll their children in formal schools.
His remarks came during a session with Parliament’s Education Committee on November 20, 2024, where he addressed growing concerns regarding the practice of homeschooling, which has gained popularity in the country.
The Attorney General’s comments were prompted by a question from Molly Musiime Asiimwe, the District Woman MP for Rwampara. She questioned why the government did not consider regulating homeschooling during the drafting of the National Teachers Bill, 2024, given its increasing prevalence.
Asiimwe voiced the concerns of numerous families engaged in homeschooling, questioning whether they would be acknowledged in the forthcoming National Teachers Bill.
“There is a group, and there are very many, that are doing homeschooling, and they want to join the main education sector. Should we ignore them or consider their needs in our education policies?” she asked.
Kiryowa acknowledged that there is the existence of homeschooling but reiterated that, as it stands, the law does not recognize it.
“Homeschooling technically is illegal. The law requires you to take the child to school. Because we are saying if you are teaching people, you must be qualified as a teacher to teach children,” Kiryowa stated.
He added that this is a policy issue that the Ministry of Education needs to address. If MPs are saying it is happening, the Ministry needs to discuss how to regulate homeschooling.
Kiryowa’s comments highlight a significant gap in the education policy framework, as many parents are now opting for homeschooling.
