Confirmed: School reopening for non-candidates & non-finalists delayed for three more months

Uganda’s government has resolved to delay school reopening for three more months over Covid19.

Although many had been circulating reports that President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni would announce reopening dates soon, education ministry permanent secretary Alex Kakooza recently clarified no decision for reopening had been reached.

Now, in a letter dated January 27, National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) executive director Prof Mary Okwakol has told vice Chancellor a and principals of higher learning institutions that Museveni has advised that schools remain closed for another three months.

Prof Okwakol also noted that Museveni had relied on advice from the Presidential Scientific Advisory Committee to defer reopening.

His wife and education minister Janet Museveni would then communicate to relevant institutions in education sector such as NCHE.

In his directive to the education minister, Museveni argued that the three months would give government ample time to find a ‘lasting solution’ to Covid19.

On the day Okwakol wrote to vice chancellors and principals, Museveni launched the trial of a Covid19 therapeutic drug.

Until such a drug is approved or vaccine doses secured, government plans to keep schools closed.

But learning is expected to continue online.