Museveni Okays Schools To Re-Open On October 15th, But Only For Finalists

September 20, 2020

President Museveni has directed that schools and all educational institutions to reopen for finalists by October 15.

Government in March ordered the closure of all education institutions to avoid the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

However, on Sunday, Museveni said that after a period of over six months, schools will reopen to allow finalists complete school.

“We have decided to reopen schools for candidate classes including P.7, S.4 and S.6 plus finalists in tertiary institutions like colleges and universities,” Museveni said.

The President explained that experts think it is safe for finalists to resume studies because they are only 1.5 million which represents only 10% of the total number of 15 million learners in country.

“Each group will have bigger space for social distancing. If they follow Standard Operating Procedures, they will be safe. The cost of waiting any further is very high because of the jam of transition.”

“If the batch of 2020 don’t move on, what will happen to batch of 2021? We can’t afford to have both in 2021. It can be done safely if people follow SOPs.”

Museveni however noted that non-finalists can only be thought of in January.

On several occasions, owners of private schools have called upon government to come to their help since they borrowed money from various financial institutions.

The President noted these can be assisted by getting loans from the Uganda Development bank whereas private teachers can make use of the shs20 billion put in their sacco.

Museveni said since Ugandans have tested both scenarios of no deaths because of the lockdown and one of laxity and death, they should be careful with their lives.

“Our scientists are sure if people strictly adhere to guidelines, they will be safe. Many people moved on by listening to advise of false prophets that the virus was not there. In this case, by sowing negligence and disobedience we are reaping more sickness and deaths,” he said.

“We should put emphasis on observation of SOPs. Provided SOPs are strictly followed at a personal and group level, the virus can be contained.”

Uganda has recorded 6287 cases and only 63 deaths since the first case of Coronavirus was recorded in March.