Authorities in Ntoroko District have delayed the reopening of schools for the second term as local leaders move to strengthen Ebola preparedness measures amid growing concern over the disease outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
While schools across Uganda resumed classes on Monday for the second term, learners in Ntoroko will now report on Thursday following a directive from the district security committee and Ebola response taskforce.
District officials said the postponement is intended to give both government and private schools enough time to fully implement health and safety guidelines aimed at protecting students and staff from a possible Ebola outbreak.
According to Ntoroko Deputy Resident District Commissioner Cyrus Muzeeyi, the decision was reached after consultations with the National Ebola Taskforce due to increased health risks linked to the district’s proximity to the DRC border.
Speaking after a meeting with school administrators, Ntoroko District Education Officer Seth Aheebwa said the first three days of the week have been set aside for schools to prepare their premises before learners return.
He noted that schools have been instructed to install adequate handwashing stations, provide sanitizers, and reorganize classrooms and dormitories in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.
Aheebwa explained that the district wants to ensure all learning institutions are fully prepared to provide a safe environment for students.
“We want schools to first put all the necessary preventive measures in place before children report back,” he said.
He also appealed to parents for patience as schools complete the required preparations.
Authorities further directed that pupils and students who regularly cross between Uganda and the DRC for studies should remain at home until further notice as the situation continues to be monitored.
In addition to the delayed school reopening, district leaders announced the temporary suspension of several weekly markets, livestock trading activities, and non-essential cross-border movements for a period of four weeks.
Passenger transport operations on the Haibale ferry across River Semuliki, as well as passenger boat movements between Uganda and the DRC, were also halted.
Among the affected trading centers are Butungama Market in Kyabukunguru, Nyakasenyi Market, Rwebisengo Town Council Market, Makondo Livestock Market, Kakogha Livestock Market, Kibuuku Central Market, Kisege Market, Bugando Livestock Market, and Karugutu Town Council Market.
However, Muzeeyi clarified that residents will still be allowed to access food and other basic commodities through shops and direct purchases from farmers.
“We are not stopping people from buying food. What has been suspended are crowded market gatherings that could increase the risk of transmission,” he explained.
District authorities said the restrictions are part of broader efforts to minimize public gatherings and reduce the possibility of Ebola spreading through porous border points.
The latest measures come shortly after the Ministry of Health confirmed two additional Ebola cases in Uganda, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to seven.
English 