By BigEyeUg Team
The government of Uganda has halted the reopening of Universities and tertiary institutions for general classes as it had earlier anticipated.
This follows the escalating number of COVID-19 cases in the country that the government says requires to be critically studies for at least three months.
The reopening persists limited to only finalists, this website has learnt from a statement released by Prof. Mary Okwakol who is the executive director of the National Council Higher Education.
Prof. Mary Okwakol
“As you are well aware, the directives to reopen high education institutions for finalists on health related programmes, and subsequently for all finalists were given by the President of the Republic of Uganda. Accordingly, we await a decision of the Government on the way forward regarding re-opening for non finalist classes,” Prof. Mary Okwakol stated.
“Contrary to reports circulating in the media, government is yet to take a decision on the full reopening of Education institutions for non-finalists. Once a decision is made, the public will be informed through the known official channels,” stated the Ministry of Education and Sports also.
Affirming to the government directive, a statement has also been issued by Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
Prof. Nawangwe says that the university is in intense preps of welcoming only finalists by February, 6, 2021 and the other flock is advised to progress with its online classes.
He also states that fresh entrants will register and receive non-residential orientation beginning on Monday 1st January 2021.
His statement reads in-part;
Gallant Makerereans! I salute you and congratulate you on keeping yourselves safe from COVID-19. Please observe all the SOPs and remain alive, Uganda needs you alive.
Following the Government directive, we are making arrangements to receive finalists as planned on 6th February 2021. The rest of the students will continue studying online. Freshers will register and receive non-residential orientation beginning Monday 1st February. Please stay tuned for further instructions.
However, liable sources state that the Ministry of Education top management a decision is expected to be discussed in an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Education minister Janet Museveni today Thursday, January 28, 2021.
We will keep you posted