VOICED : Ugandan children back to school after nearly 2-year Covid closure

Ugandan schools reopened after 83 weeks of closure due to COVID-19, bringing relief to 15 million students and their parents. The prolonged closure, the longest globally, limited education access to the privileged. Many teachers have not returned, and schools face challenges in resuming operations. The government is urged to intervene, especially in private schools, to prevent high fees. Economic hardships have made education less affordable for many Ugandans.

How long were Ugandan schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

• 50 weeks

• 83 weeks

• 60 weeks

• 100 weeks

Which group had access to remote learning during the school closures?

• Students in government schools

• Only students in urban areas

• All students

• The most privileged students

What was a significant challenge for private schools upon reopening?

• Outdated curriculum

• Insufficient classroom space

• Absence of teachers

• Lack of students

What action did the government promise regarding private schools?

• To monitor and prevent high fees

• To provide free textbooks

• To build new classrooms

• To increase teacher salaries

What was a major reason for the difficulty in affording education post-pandemic?

• Higher transportation costs

• Reduced family incomes

• Lack of government funding

• Increased school fees