High Court allows Bridge schools in Uganda to open for third term

The High Court in Kampala has extended an interim order it issued earlier against the closure of Bridge International Academies, allowing the schools to open for a third term on September 26. In her ruling at the High Court Civil Division at Twed Towers, Justice Patricia Basaza Wasswa said that Bridge Schools will continue operating until the hearing of the case resumes on October 3.

Bridge’s lead counsel Isaac Walukaga, welcomed the court’s decision. “We are happy about the extension,” he said, “because this means that Bridge International Academies will be open for third term without a doubt.”

There had been concern by parents of the 12000 pupils in Bridge Academies that the schools would not be allowed to re-open even after an injunction was issued against their closure by the Minister of Education.

Justice Wasswa also advised the ministry to desist from making any threats towards the school. Walukaga also told court that the letter from the Permanent Secretary ordering the closure of the schools was signed by Abbey Mutazindwa, a commissioner in the ministry.

For months, officials from the Ministry of Education have issued warnings saying the schools should close over non-licensing and alleged failure to adhere to basic education standards.

Bridge schools have maintained that their schools have been licensed by relevant authorities and that they have also put in place necessary infrastructure and given opportunities to many disadvantaged children across the country.