Cabinet has announced that all schools will close for third term on November 28, 2022 to prevent the likely spreading of Ebola Virus Disease.
This development comes as schools in the Kampala Metropolitan area have registered over six cases of Ebola. Among the affected schools include Green Valley Primary school and Gods Will Primary School in Lubaga Division, Kampala.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Education & Sports (Primary Education), Joyce Moriku Kaducu on Tuesday morning, at the Uganda Media Center.
According to Kaducu, the resolution was made to minimize congestion and congregating at institutions of learning that risks further spread of Ebola.
The Minister stated that the Ministries of Education and Transport are already working together to issue guidelines for learners travelling back home to avoid congestion at the Bus and Taxi Parks.
She also explained that the health Ministry will also issue guidelines to be followed by learners travelling to Kassanda and Mubende districts that remain under 21 days lock-down. Mubende is the epicenter of the virus disease.
Institutions of learning were expected to close on December 9, 2022, for third term.
Last week , Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, during an interview on National TV proposed that schools be shut down early to regulate the risk of further spread of the deadly disease.
She stated that it is difficult for learners to observe Standard Operating Procedures including hand washing, extreme hygiene and social distancing in schools.
“It would be extremely nice if the Moe considered early exams so that we are left with candidates. Because the fewer the learners at school,the easier it will be to carry out surveillance and ensure that they are safe. She said on NTV last week
However, Filbert Baguma, the UNATU Secretary General opposed to the idea saying learners will miss out on a lot if the school term is prematurely cut short.
“We would be adding salt to an injury,because the already shortened content will also not be covered.Closing down schools should mean that transport, markets, shopping malls are also closed.” said Baguma stated then
As of November 06, 2022, Uganda has 135 cumulative cases of Ebola 62 recoveries ,18 active patients and 53 deaths