NPA demands stricter Ebola rules for boarding schools

In a statement, the association's Chairperson, David Silas Obuhatsa , called on the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) to act together. The aim, he said, is to ensure schools are ready to handle any suspected case. The association said the safety of children must remain the highest priority.

Boarding schools were the main focus of the appeal. The association wants clear guidelines that teach administrators how to spot symptoms, isolate learners and report suspected cases. It also wants firm referral procedures for sick children who must be taken to hospital. According to the association, sending a sick learner to an outside facility without coordination could expose other learners, staff, parents and the public to unnecessary risk.

Visitors to boarding schools should also face tighter controls, the association said. Only people with a genuine reason should be allowed in, and schools should record every visit. In addition, schools should give parents alternative ways of getting updates on their children so that they do not have to enter school compounds.

For parents of day scholars, the association asked the two ministries to issue clear guidance. Parents need to know which symptoms demand immediate medical attention, when a child should stay at home and where to find accurate information. Furthermore, it cautioned parents against relying on rumours and social media speculation.

The association also addressed possible school closures. Should schools close or release learners, management should avoid crowding parents and children in compounds. Instead, they should set orderly arrangements for parents or authorised guardians to collect children, with clear collection times and entry points. Learners who use public transport should also be advised on precautions during their journey.

The association further called for regular and transparent communication between schools and parents. It said timely, factual information would maintain confidence and prevent panic. It also asked for adequate health and emergency support for schools and continuous monitoring of the situation.

At the same time, the association commended the MoH and other agencies for their coordinated response. It said their updates had helped reduce anxiety among parents and the wider public.

Okeyo appealed to parents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative. "This is a time for preparedness, not panic," the statement said. The association added that it stands ready to work with the Government, school leaders and teachers to keep every child safe.