Cabinet finally resolves to reopen schools; pre-primary schools to wait as universities, secondary & primary schools reopen partially

Uganda’s cabinet on February 01 resolved to reopen schools to non-candidates and non-finalists, but listed instituted a number of measures to be put in place.

Sitting at State House Entebbe, ministers agreed to reopen schools “in a staggered manner” that will allow compliance with Covid19 standard operating procedures.

Cabinet members resolved that pre-primary schools (kindergartens and nursery schools) should not be reopened since learners in these schools are too young to observe SOPs.

Ministers also reasoned that these learners are prone to respiratory diseases, including Covid19; and since most of these schools don’t have boarding sections, Covid19 could easily spread through interaction with the communities, schools and homes.

Primary Six, Senior Three and Five will be give priority, with these classes’ reopening expected in “the short term” and could study in shifts with candidates where necessary.

Reopening for other classes may not be possible until the completion of Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at the end of March and the completion of Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) at the close of the first week of April.

Cabinet resolved that promotion be based on class attendance and assessment of class work and assignments.

Also expected to reopen in a staggered manner are universities.

Primary Teachers’ Colleges (PTCs) and National Teachers’ Colleges (NTCs) have been advised to allow all students report back with the finalists since these institutions have the necessary infrastructure to observe Covid19 prevention guidelines.

All learners and teachers are expected to wear face masks.