MBARARA, Uganda — Mbarara High School has banned joint parties for male and female students, replacing traditional social events like proms with supervised candidate trips, according to a circular issued by school officials.
The policy change follows new guidelines from the Ministry of Education and Sports aimed at safeguarding students against inappropriate or unsafe entertainment. In a letter dated Feb. 6, the school noted that the ministry now prohibits events that encourage learners to pair up or imitate romantic relationships.
Under the new rules, the terms “Sosh” and “Prom” have been retired. The school will instead host a “Candidates Trip/Picnic” for Senior 4 and Senior 6 students.
The upcoming trip is scheduled for Feb. 20-21. Each student is required to contribute 120,000 Ugandan shillings to participate.
The circular, signed by entertainment patron Nkurunziza Allan and committee member Natukunda Phionah, emphasized that the decision aligns with the school’s mission to nurture the all-round boy child while adhering to national safety standards for post-primary institutions.
The ministry’s directive, originally issued in May 2025, seeks to eliminate exploitative environments within school-sanctioned social activities across the country.
