Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Education and Sports
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Ministry of Education and Sports has directed all schools and institutions of learning across Uganda to strictly implement new Ebola prevention and control measures following the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by the Ministry of Health.
The new directives come amid heightened vigilance against the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which authorities warn can spread rapidly in crowded environments such as schools, universities and boarding institutions.
According to Dr. Dennis Mugimba, the guidelines are intended to ensure that learning continues safely while protecting students, teachers and support staff from possible infection.
“These SOPs are intended to support safe learning environments while minimizing the risk of transmission of Ebola Virus Disease in schools and other institutions of learning,” Dr. Mugimba said.
He explained that the directives apply to all education institutions in the country, including nursery schools, Early Childhood Development centres, primary and secondary schools, universities, vocational institutions, boarding schools, day schools and special needs institutions.
“Schools are environments where learners, teachers, support staff, parents and visitors interact closely, making them vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases if preventive measures are not observed,” Dr. Mugimba noted.
Under the new measures, all schools have been ordered to establish handwashing facilities with running water and soap at strategic points including school entrances, classrooms, dormitories, toilets, dining halls and staff rooms.
The ministry also directed schools to enforce mandatory handwashing for learners, staff and visitors upon entry and at regular intervals during the day.
“Every school must ensure strict observance of hygiene measures. Handwashing should not be optional because it remains one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission,” Dr. Mugimba emphasized.
Schools have further been instructed to introduce temperature screening points at entrances and deny access to any person showing signs consistent with Ebola.
The ministry warned schools against complacency, saying any learner, teacher or staff member presenting symptoms such as fever, vomiting, weakness or unexplained bleeding must immediately be isolated and reported to health authorities.
“The SOPs provide practical measures for school administrators, teachers, learners, non-teaching staff, parents and visitors to ensure early detection, prevention and appropriate response to suspected Ebola cases,” Dr. Mugimba explained.
School administrators have additionally been directed to designate isolation areas for suspected cases and maintain supplies such as soap, sanitizers, disinfectants, thermometers and protective equipment.
Dr. Mugimba said school heads must also maintain updated contacts for nearby health facilities and district surveillance teams to ensure quick emergency response.
The ministry has discouraged handshakes, hugging and sharing of personal items among learners and staff.
“We are encouraging schools to reinforce preventive behavior and avoid unnecessary physical contact. Learners should also immediately report illness to teachers or school nurses,” Dr. Mugimba said.
Parents and guardians were equally urged to cooperate with schools and health authorities by keeping sick children at home and promptly seeking medical attention for anyone showing Ebola symptoms.
Boarding schools have been instructed to strengthen monitoring of learners, avoid overcrowding in dormitories and closely monitor students returning from holidays or high-risk areas.
The ministry also ordered schools to minimize non-essential gatherings, restrict visitors and suspend activities whenever advised by health authorities.
“We call upon all education institutions to remain vigilant, calm and cooperative as government works to safeguard the health and wellbeing of learners and the wider community,” Dr. Mugimba said.
