Mbarara High School, a single-sex boys’ institution, has sparked public debate after banning joint male–female “Sosh/Prom” parties and replacing them with a candidates’ educational trip. School authorities say the decision follows Ministry of Education guidelines, which classify such social events as inappropriate for secondary school learners.
According to the school, the move is intended to reinforce discipline, focus learners on academics, and align school activities with national education standards. Administrators argue that end-of-school celebrations should remain structured and educational rather than social events that may encourage indiscipline.
However, the decision has drawn mixed reactions from parents, education stakeholders, and former students. Supporters of the ban say schools have a responsibility to safeguard moral values and protect learners from peer pressure and premature adult behaviour. They argue that single-sex schools, in particular, are meant to minimize distractions and promote character development.
Critics, on the other hand, question whether outright bans address the realities of teenage socialisation. They argue that well-organised, supervised social events can offer learners healthy opportunities to interact, build confidence, and develop social skills in a controlled environment. Some also contend that replacing social functions with trips avoids deeper conversations about adolescence, relationships, and responsible behaviour.
The decision at Mbarara High has reignited a broader national conversation: Are schools and the Ministry of Education strengthening values, or are they avoiding honest engagement with the social needs of young people? As schools continue to interpret and enforce guidelines differently, many are calling for clearer policy direction and open dialogue involving educators, parents, and learners.
As education evolves beyond academics alone, the balance between discipline, values, and social development remains a contested space.
What do you think? Do such bans build character, or do they deny learners healthy, guided social interaction? Share your views.
