The Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, has asked the Ministry of Education and Sports to consider early examinations for non-candidate classes so that schools can close early for the third term holidays.
Dr Aceng said the move is aimed to decongest schools and minimise the risk of spreading Ebola.
“The Permanent Secretary recently, in one of her addresses, [urged] schools to ensure that they follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) during this time until the children do exams and go home. However, it would be extremely nice if the Ministry of Education considered early exams so that we are only left with the candidates,” Dr Aceng said while giving Ebola updates on national television on Sunday.
“We know that the timeframe for candidates to do their exams has already been fixed. The fewer the learners at school, the easier for us to carry out surveillance and ensure that learners are safe,” she added.
She did not specify when she would prefer the term to end and whether the closure will affect tertiary institutions.
Last week, the Ministry of Health announced that at least six pupils from three schools in Rubaga Division in Kampala were among the 47 Ebola patients fighting for their lives at various treatment centres in the country.
Dr Aceng said in the meantime, schools must create a safe school environment by instituting mandatory temperature screening and washing hands all the time.
She said any child who falls sick while at school should be reported to the health workers immediately so that he/she is evacuated for testing, and that those who miss school should be followed up.
She also said a ban on school visitations still stands.
