Schools turn away students without Covid requirements

Students pictured in class after schools reopened recently. PHOTO/ FILE  

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Mr Martine Okiria Obore, the chairperson of the Association of Secondary School Head Teachers of Uganda, yesterday said he had received reports from various stakeholders complaining about the exorbitant demands schools had placed on students to report with last week.

 Schools have asked candidates and final year students to come with requirements for standard operating procedures on prevention of coronavirus and those without them were denied access until their parents provide them.

Mr Martine Okiria Obore, the chairperson of the Association of Secondary School Head Teachers of Uganda, yesterday said he had received reports from various stakeholders complaining about the exorbitant demands schools had placed on students to report with last week.

For instance, some schools have asked for four bars of soap, five litres of liquid soap and sanitisers, in addition to demanding that children clear all fees.
However, Mr Obore warned that when they make many demands, many children will be forced out of school because they cannot afford. He asked his members to negotiate with parents so that they can co-exist.

Concern
“ We have cautioned our colleagues to be considerate. The big problem is in boarding schools. I have heard of that situation. The economy is not doing well. Parents lost businesses, jobs and those who have, are getting little,” Mr Obore said.

But Mr Benson Kule, the commissioner of the Directorate of Education Standards, warned that they will withdraw licences of schools which violate SOPs.
“We are aware that after inspection, schools withdraw what they showed us. That is wrong. We are going to organise a fault finding exercise. We will withdraw licences of such schools that lied to us,” Mr Kule said.