Govt Denies Rumors of School Closures Amidst Ebola Concerns

Recent social media chatter suggesting that schools in Uganda might be closed due to an increase in Ebola virus cases has been firmly rejected by the Ministry of Education and Sports. Ministry spokesperson, Dr. Dennis Mugimba, issued a statement on June 1, imploring the public to disregard unsubstantiated online reports and to rely solely on official government communications for accurate information.

Dr. Mugimba emphasized the importance of vigilance and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as advised by the Ministry of Health. This clarification comes amidst a backdrop of anxiety among parents, many of whom drew parallels to the extended COVID-19 school shutdowns and worried about the financial implications and loss of fees.

Uganda’s education sector is still recovering from the unprecedented 83-week closure enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening of schools in January 2022 marked the end of one of the world’s longest continuous school shutdowns.

While the Ministry of Education downplays closure fears, the public’s concern is fueled by recent developments in public health. As of May 31, Uganda had confirmed nine Ebola cases, with two new infections reported. In response to the escalating outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and challenges at border crossings, the government announced a temporary closure of its border with the DRC on May 27.

This border measure, decided during a National Task Force meeting, exempts only essential personnel such as Ebola response teams, humanitarian workers, cargo transporters, and security staff, all subjected to stringent health screenings. The Ministry of Education maintains that with strict adherence to health protocols, schools can continue to operate safely.