Kampala- All primary and secondary schools in Uganda have been directed to close by November 25th 2022 for third term holidays as a measure to contain Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country.
This is after cabinet approved a proposal by the ministry of health to reduce third term by two weeks so as to decongest schools that are likely to increase vulnerability of children to EVD infections
In a statement by the Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataha Museveni issued Tuesday, schools have been asked to conduct final/promotional exams effective next week.
“Schools should communicate and prepare learners mentally and physically to adjust to this change in the school calendar,” the minister advised
She added, “Upon completion, children will be required to immediately return safely to their homes in a staggered manner to avoid congestion and congregating.”
Ever since the outbreak of Ebola was declared on 20th September 2022, a total of 23 children have been confirmed to have the disease of which nine died. Some of the affected children are from five schools in Kampala, Wakiso and Mubende districts.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), children who contract the Ebola virus are at higher risk of dying from the disease than adults.
To date, accumulative total of 131 confirmed cases of Ebola have been identified with 44 deaths and 43 recoveries in nine districts of Mubende, Kassanda, Kagadi, Bunyangabu, Kyegegwa, Kampala and Wakiso among others.
