“Do Not Open!” NCHE Tells Universities

Following a decision by several universities to announce reopening dates for both finalists, freshers and continuing students, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has warned universities against the move.

According to a statement signed by the NCHE Executive Director, Prof Mary Okwakol, they are still awaiting a decision by the government regarding reopening. The statement further ordered all Higher Institutions not to reopen until the government makes a decision.

In the same statement, Okwakol disclosed that several Institutions of Higher Learning have expressed their readiness to reopen for freshers and continuing students in a series of engagements.

“The purpose of this communication, therefore, it is to urge all Higher Education Institutions not to reopen until a decision of government on the matter is communicated.” The statement reads partly.

It should be recalled that Makerere University had announced 30^th July as the start of orientation week for freshers while the official reopening for all students was 6^th February 2021.

Through the university’s academic registrar Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah, Makerere University has this morning informed all students that the earlier communicated dates are tentative and therefore students should await communication from the government of Uganda regarding reopening.

 All universities were closed in March 2020 by President Museveni following the outbreak of COVID-19. The closure was aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. Later, the government allowed finalists to resume studies while continuing students in some universities were allowed to return for end of semester exams.