The Ministry of Education and Sports has directed Primary schools not to send other pupils home while P.7 candidates are doing Primary Leaving Examination-PLE scheduled for 8th and 9th November 2022.
Ismael Mulindwa, the Director of Basic Education in the Ministry of Education in a statement issued on 1st November, noted that the action is inappropriate and demonstrates lack of appreciation of the current public health emergency arising from the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The statement followed a circular issued on 28th October 2022, which banned visitation by parents, leavers’ party, and non-essential trips out of school by learners in boarding institutions.
“Inspite of the above clear guidance, we have learnt that some primary schools with boarding sections are asking parents to pick their children in lower classes for a break during the Primary Leaving Examination exercise,” Mulindwa said in a statement.
He added that, the circular was to direct head teachers and managers of all primary schools with boarding sections to desist from asking parents to pick their children in non-candidate classes for a school break during PLE.
Mulindwa advised that there should be arrangements to keep learners in the boarding facilities for the two days of PLE.
“The children in day schools may remain home on the two days when PLE is being conducted,” he advised.
The circular further directed Resident District Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, District Education Officers and District Inspectors of schools to ensure compliance.