Education Ministry Clarifies: No Phones Allowed in Schools Yet

The Ministry of Education and Sports (MOE) has shed light on the circumstances under which mobile phones will be allowed in schools.

This follows concerns raised by the public after the launch of the Digital Agenda Strategy on August 22, 2024, by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Center on Monday, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Dr. Dennis Mugimba, SAIDwhile the strategy aims to modernize education with the introduction of digital tools, strict measures are in place to ensure student safety and minimize disruption.

Dr. Mugimba said that the Digital Agenda Strategy is intended to boost the use of electronic tools and technologies in both learning and the management of quality education and sports.

However, he noted that there are concerns surrounding the use of mobile devices like phones and tablets, especially at the Basic and Secondary education levels.

Mugimba explained that, until formal policy standards and guidelines are developed, mobile phones and tablets will not be permitted for use by learners in school premises. He said the policy guidelines, which are currently being developed, will outline the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, including schools, teachers, parents, and internet service providers, in ensuring that digital tools are used responsibly and safely.

He has clarified that for now, school-owned desktops and laptops in computer labs remain the preferred method of incorporating digital tools into learning. This setup, Mugimba stated, allows for a common-user facility that ensures every learner has access to digital resources without placing undue financial pressure on parents.

He further noted that Ministry is particularly focused on ensuring that students are not exposed to harmful content online. Mugimba stressed that it is the responsibility of the institution’s accounting officers to make sure school internet systems are tightly controlled.

He explained that schools must ensure students do not access inappropriate content such as pornography, gambling websites, or criminal platforms, as stipulated in the Computer Misuse Act and other relevant laws.