Uganda Certificate of Education(UCE) candidates in the quarantined districts of Mubende and Kassanda have maneuvered their way into examination centers despite a Presidential directive to lock down.
On Saturday, President Yoweri Museveni instituted a lock down on the two districts that have since August 2022 registered the highest cases of Ebola Virus Disease, to mitigate further spread.
In his address, the president stated that two patients traveled to Kampala to seek medical services, causing 24 contacts to be isolated, including health workers.
He also stated that other contacts from Mubende, the epicenter of the virus disease have since fled to Budaka and other districts.
After the lock down, there has been concern among the locals on how these senior four candidates will access schools to seat their examinations without proper transportation.
Rosemary Byabashaija, the Resident District Commissioner, Mubende says majority of the learners have had to walk long-distances to schools for their first paper because of no transportation. Byabashaija adds that schools have been advised to temporarily ensure transportation of learners.
She however says they have noted that the problem and will deliberate on other options on Monday, as the Health Minister arrives.
“Many learners commute and the basic means of transport is Boda Boda. Later in the day, we have several meetings with security and health authorities. The health minister is also expected. All these matters will be discussed in detail,” Byabashaija said.
On Sunday evening, different meetings held by security personnel, Uneb, and other concerned authorities gave remedies for the travel of Uneb officials. It was agreed that all people who are going to do Uneb work including scouts, supervisors, invigilators, and teachers be given temporary travel passes to allow them to enter Mubende and Kassanda districts.
Jennifer Kalule, the Uganda National Examination Board UNEB Spokesperson says the Health Ministry has given temporary passes to Uneb officials including scouts, invigilators, supervisors and teachers staying outside the districts to access centers.
She further states that those from far are being encouraged to get rental or accommodation facilities either from districts neighbouring Mubende or within, for the entire period of examination.
“We are working with security and advising them to move up to Mityana or any neighbouring district. As long as they have an introduction letter or a national ID, and documents of UNEB official work, they are permitted to enter,” she says
courtesy photo