Ahead of reopening of learning institutions for final year students expected to begin on 15th October, President Museveni has allowed lecturers and students to use public transport while going and coming from campus.
Museveni has further clarified that teachers and learners can use public transport if the transporters can observe the recommended standard operating procedures suggested by the Ministry of Health.
It should be recalled that the Ministry of Education had barred teachers and learners from using public transport means like taxis, vans, and boda bodas when schools reopen for finalists.
However, President Museveni thinks that if the set procedures in communities, public transport, and schools are observed, there is no reason as to why learners and teachers cannot use them.
Museveni made the remarks during the world teachers day celebration held at State House in response to concerns raised by Filbert Baguma, the general secretary Uganda National Teacher Association who wondered how government expected teachers who don’t have staff quarters to move.
Despite allowing teachers and students to use public transport, Museveni also advised teachers to look at other possible alternatives by either camping at schools, given the fact that some of the classrooms will be idle or find nearby places where they can sleep.
The education ministry had also advised parents to identify schools nearest to their homes to enroll their children in the meantime to avoid health risks, unnecessary costs and inconveniences of long-distance travel to schools.
