A number of schools in Kabale Municipality have intensified the implementation of Ebola prevention measures following concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
A visit to several schools across Kabale Municipality revealed heightened vigilance as institutions work to comply with Ministry of Health guidelines aimed at protecting learners from infection.
The situation along Uganda’s border with DR Congo in southwestern Uganda remains tense, with communities and institutions stepping up preventive actions as part of ongoing efforts to contain the risk of cross-border transmission.
Schools have also reinforced measures across their premises, including screening and monitoring of learners, as part of broader national preparedness efforts.
The Director of Kabale Trinity College, Joab Tumwebaze, said that despite challenges posed by day scholars whose movements outside school are difficult to monitor, the institution is taking all necessary precautions to safeguard learners.
“All learners undergo screening every morning upon reporting to school. We are soon installing an isolation centre in case of any detected case,” Tumwebaze said.
Meanwhile, the Headteacher of St. Mary’s College Rushoroza, Christopher Mande, said several schools in Kabale Municipality have stepped up enforcement of Ebola prevention measures in line with government directives.
The Kabale District Education Officer, Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye, urged all schools to continue strictly adhering to guidelines issued by both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Sports.
“We have informed all headteachers in schools across Kabale to comply with both the education and health ministries,” he said.
Education authorities say continued vigilance in schools is critical given the high mobility of learners and the proximity of the district to the Uganda–DR Congo border, where health officials remain alert to potential cross-border risks.