Ebola Rumors Keep Ugandan Students Home, Government Warns

Uganda's government is warning that rumors about Ebola are keeping students out of school. State Minister for Higher Education Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo stated that false messages circulating on social media are creating unnecessary panic. He emphasized that no education institutions have been ordered to close and that schools are operating normally.

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There are social media people who are telling you lies. Schools are not going to close. Schools are operating.

Dr. Muyingo explained that some of the alarming audio and video clips being shared are old recordings repackaged to mislead the public. He cautioned that this spread of misinformation is hindering efforts to keep children in school and disrupting learning. "We should encourage children to go and study, not discourage them from going to school," he urged.

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We should encourage children to go and study, not discourage them from going to school.

Despite the assurances, some parents are keeping their children home due to fear fueled by unverified information. Teachers are reporting for duty, and learning continues, but absenteeism is a growing concern. The minister reiterated that government measures are in place to protect learners and staff while ensuring uninterrupted education.

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Teachers are there. Schools are operating.

The ministry stressed that decisions affecting schools will not be communicated via social media rumors. They are urging the public to rely on official government communication channels for accurate updates on public health and education operations. Officials emphasize there are no plans to close schools and learning should continue as normal.

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Different children in some areas are there, but there are some others who are being stopped from going to school, which is unfortunate.