Teachers in Wakiso District have been urged to disregard circulating rumours about possible school closures due to the Ebola outbreak and instead focus on enforcing preventive measures in schools.
The call was made by Wakiso District Education Officer (Primary), Ritah Nanyanzi, while addressing government and private primary school teachers during the opening meeting for Term II held at Wakisha Resource Centre in Wakiso Town Council.
Nanyanzi assured teachers that schools would only be closed following official communication from the government if the Ebola situation escalates significantly.
“Schools cannot be closed based on rumours. Any decision regarding the closure of schools can only be communicated officially by the government, depending on the severity of the situation,” Nanyanzi said.
She urged school administrators and teachers to ensure that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola are strictly observed.
“We must remain vigilant and continue enforcing preventive measures such as regular hand washing, avoiding handshakes and ensuring learners do not share beds in dormitories,” she added.
The remarks come amid heightened public vigilance following recent Ebola-related alerts in parts of the country. Health authorities have repeatedly urged the public to rely on official information channels and continue observing preventive measures to minimise the risk of transmission.
The district health department also used the meeting to sensitise teachers on Ebola prevention and response measures. Speaking on behalf of the health department, Mrs Bonny encouraged teachers to remain alert and promptly report any suspected cases.
“Teachers are at the frontline of protecting learners. They must be vigilant and ensure that schools are prepared to respond appropriately to any health threats,” she said.
Beyond health concerns, education officials warned school proprietors and administrators against engaging in illegal practices, including operating unlicensed daycare centres, overcharging parents and conducting lessons during school holidays without authorisation.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for teachers to raise concerns affecting the education sector.
Among the issues highlighted were what teachers described as excessive taxes imposed on private schools and poor working conditions in some government-aided institutions.
They called on district and central government authorities to address the challenges urgently to improve service delivery and create a more conducive teaching and learning environment.
The meeting brought together teachers from both government and private primary schools as preparations for the second academic term got underway.