In July this year, the Education Ministry ordered Bridge International Academy to close its 63 campuses nationwide for allegedly flouting the curriculum, employing none qualified teachers, operating without a license and poor hygiene.
High Court in Kampala has ordered the Education Ministry to allow
Bridge International Academy to reopen its campuses across the country for the third term. Justice Patricia Basaza Wasswa made the ruling this morning following an application by Bridge International Academy
challenging a directive by the Educational Ministry to stop its operations.
In July this year, the Education Ministry ordered Bridge International Academy to close its 63 campuses nationwide for allegedly flouting the curriculum, employing none qualified teachers, operating without a license and poor hygiene. As a result, Bridge International Academy petitioned court on August 10th for a temporary injunction staying the execution of the directive, saying it wasn't accorded the opportunity to defend itself.
The application came up for hearing on September 02, but it was postponed to today since the Attorney General wasn't represented in court. This morning, George Kalemera the Principle State Attorney requested court to adjourn the matter to October 13th citing the absence of Abdallah Mutazindwa, the Director of Education Standards Unit who signed the letter to close Bridge schools.
"We need to be given another date after October 13th considering the sensitivity of the matter that involves the education of 12,000 students." Kalemera said. But Isaac Walukagga, the representative of Bridge International Academy objected to the proposal, saying an adjournment would impact negatively on the learners since schools are rescheduled to open for the third term on September 26th.
"I pray that the adjournment be done after considering an extension of the interim order and Ministry desists from further threats and media publications that Bridge schools should remain closed." Walukagga stated.
In her ruling, Justice Patricia Basaza Wasswa asked to Ministry to serve the applicant an affidavit by September 29th and the rejoinder be filed by September 30th. She subsequently extended the interim order to October 3rd. "Court wants to expeditiously listen to the controversy and make quick determination of the matter," Basaza stated.
Basaza ordered both parties to refrain from discussing the case in the media, which he said amounts to sub judice.
