The president of Uganda HE Yoweri Museveni has reportedly rejected a proposal from Education Ministry that was seeking to reopening schools next month (October)
The spokesperson of Education Ministry, Dr Dennis Mugimba says, the president cited a looming possibility of a third covid-19 wave, and he in that effect tasked the education and health ministries to examine the impact of limited vaccination of teachers, support staff.
“… given the emerging realities of [low] vaccination rate of teachers, non-teaching staff and students above 18 years, the President asked us to rethink another date”Dr. Mugimba said before adding that they (team) will meet president Museveni again, next week.
Priority of vaccination has been given to teachers and now to parents of the learners in day school with inoculation percentage standing at 38% of the target 550,000 teachers so far since the vaccination drive for school stakeholders started.
According the education ministry spokesperson, the president advised the technocrats to think through the possibility of a third coronavirus wave rhyming along with schools reopening so that schools don’t have to close again in the event that the third wave strikes.
“The President gave us two options to release the opening dates for basic education [pre-primary, primary and secondary], and for tertiary intuitions,” Dr Mugimba said.
All eyes are on next week Wednesday, as the most conclusive decision on the reopening of schools will be made after national taskforce meets the president once more.
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