Gov’t orders early closure of schools due to Ebola

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Ministry of Education and Sports has ordered all schools (from pre-primary to secondary) to close early in a move to combat the spread of Ebola among learners countrywide.

According to the Education Minister, First Lady Janet K Museveni, all schools must close on November 25^th this month, two weeks earlier than the planned closure as per the third term calendar.

“Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary schools will close for Third Term holidays on Friday 25′ November 2022. The District /City/Municipal Education officers and head teachers should take note and act accordingly,” Minister Janet said in a statement on Tuesday.

Relatedly, the Minister ordered school heads told to kick off end-of-term exams as early as next week.

“The schools will be required to conduct final/promotional exams a little earlier effective next week,” she emphasized.

“Schools should communicate and prepare learners mentally and physically to adjust to this change in the school calendar. Upon completion, children will be required to immediately return safely to their homes in a staggering manner to avoid congestion and congregating.”

According to the minister, the early closure of Term III is meant to de-congest schools as more cases of Ebola are coming up in schools.

“Closing schools earlier will reduce areas of concentration where children are in daily close contact with fellow children, teachers and other staff who could potentially spread the virus,” she said.

Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Center on Tuesday, the state minister for primary education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu told the country that so far 11 cases of Ebola confirmed in schools and over 170 contacts.

Ms Kaducu also revealed that the ministries of education and transport will issue guidelines for the staggered reopening of schools to avoid congestion in taxi and bus parks.