Education ministry renews pursuit of radio sets for learners

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Education is planning to reintroduce a proposal for the purchase of radio sets for learners who are currently stuck at home as Uganda battles a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The government planned to procure radio sets as one of the measures to ensure that there was continuity in learning after the closure of all educational institutions and other concentration centres following an outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the proposal was rejected as a budget of 330 billion Shillings was sought for the purchase of nine million radios, which according to the plan, were to be procured from Orions Transformers and Electricals Ltd and distributed to households across the country.

However, parliament doubted the credibility of the company that was going to produce the radio sets, yet many of the legislators said they did not see a need for the radio sets. But State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo says that although the idea was rejected, they are planning to seek Parliament’s indulgence again, since the schools were closed again.

Muyingo said that radio, and the use of internet for education was what worked best during the first lockdown. He says a more detailed plan on the future of education and learners amidst COVID-19 will be addressed later in Parliament. Muyingo says that the continuity plan for learners and teacher development will be key issues as he starts a new term in the Ministry.

Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the Minister for Primary Education who was equally vetted says that she comes with a rich background not only as a medical doctor but a scientist and former lecturer in a University. Kaducu says that she will bring her health experience to battle COVID-19 in schools, because for her, it was sad to see school children return home with COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Sports Denis Hamson Obua said that his appeal while appearing before the Appointments committee was that sports should be given more funding. He says that several facilities still need to be developed, but stated that there are several initiatives now ongoing to uplift sports in the country.

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