One of the preconditions to resumption of physical learning at universities is vaccination of students. During his state of the nation address on covid19 related matters on 22nd September, the president of Uganda Yoweri Museveni gave an assurance on resumption of physical learning for institutions of higher learning provided lecturers, stuff and students were vaccinated against covid19. ‘The 330,000 students aged 18 years and above in post secondary institutions should be vaccinated as soon as possible.’ said president Yoweri Museveni during his state of the nation address.
During an early morning talkshow on NTV, Dr Chris Baryomunsi the minister for ICT sent a warning to students who have deliberately rejected to get their covid19 jab. Chris Baryomunsi asserted that once universities open, students will have to present their vaccination cards prior to accessing university premises an act that will result into banning of non vaccinated students from learning physically unless they get their covid19 jab.
From the look of things, vaccination seems to be inevitable as its now mandatory for students to get vaccinated against covid19 before they can start-off physical learning once again. As other classes await reopening in January, its not clear as of yet if all learners and teachers of preprimary, primary and secondary schools will do as well get vaccinated before resumption of learning.
Higher institutions of learning have been closed for nearly two years with most of them having turned to eLearning to ensure steadfast continuity. The only hope of having a safe learning environment remains in vaccination of the population though the turnup is quite alarming especially within the students fraternity.
Currently vaccination of students is ongoing at diverse centers and among these is Makerere university hospital. In a statement issued last week, the university hospital management said that it had embarked on vaccination of all students and people above the age of 18. Vaccination is done during week days from 9am to 2pm.
