61 schools cleared to reopen in Entebbe municipality

Kampala, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  61 schools in Entebbe Municipality have so far been cleared to reopen. 

This follows an assessment of the schools headed by Sarah Monicah Nabirye, the inspector of schools, Daniel Ndagga, the Principal Education Officer and other officials from the municipal council.

Ndagga says that the team assessed all the 67 Primary and 13 Secondary schools in the municipality. However, 52 Primary and 9 Secondary Schools were issued certificates of compliance.

He says the schools were assessed on areas that include the availability of hand washing facilities, thermometer guns and maintaining social distancing in classrooms and dormitories.

Some of the schools that have been allowed to reopen include Pearl of Africa, Gateway Primary School and Entebbe Changsha Model Primary School. Others are Tom and Jerry Primary School and St. Theresa’s Primary School. 

According to Ndagga, the schools that have not been cleared can invite the team for re-assessment. However, they are not allowed to operate without getting a certificate of compliance.

The schools that were not cleared include Good Samaritan Primary School, Entebbe Modern primary School and Air force Secondary School among others.

However, when Uganda Radio Network visited some schools, they were yet to receive the 1.5 Million Shillings from the government. 

Robinah Nakamya Kawere, the Headteacher Changsha Model Primary School, says that she was forced to borrow money to procure items such as hand washing facilities, two gun thermometers and sanitizers so that the school is cleared for reopening.

She adds that the six teachers and all the 64 candidates will reside at the school as a measure to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Michael Odek, a parent of a primary seven pupil has decided to transfer his daughter from Tom and Jerry Primary School to Entebbe Changsha Model Primary School because he is convinced that private teachers will under-deliver once schools reopen for final learners.

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