Authorities in western Uganda’s Ntoroko District have delayed the reopening of schools for the second term by three days to allow schools to put in place Ebola prevention measures following heightened alerts along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border.
Schools across Uganda officially reopened Monday for the second term of 2026. However, under a directive issued by the Ntoroko District Security and Ebola Taskforce, both government and private schools in the district will instead reopen Thursday.
Officials said the delay will give school administrators time to operationalize standard operating procedures aimed at protecting learners and preventing a possible Ebola outbreak.
According to Cyrus Muzeeyi, the Ntoroko deputy resident district commissioner, the directive followed resolutions made by the National Ebola Taskforce after concerns over the Ebola situation in neighboring Congo.
Seth Aheebwa, the Ntoroko district education officer, told Uganda Radio Network that school heads met Monday and agreed to use the first days of the week to prepare schools before learners return.
Aheebwa said schools are expected to install enough handwashing facilities, provide sanitizers and reorganize classrooms and dormitories in line with health guidelines issued by authorities.
“We want schools to first organize themselves and ensure all safety measures are in place before learners return,” Aheebwa said.
He urged parents to remain patient as schools complete the preparations.
According to Aheebwa, pupils who cross between Uganda and Congo for schooling should remain home until further notice as authorities continue monitoring the situation.
District authorities also announced a temporary four-week suspension of several weekly markets, livestock trade activities and non-essential cross-border movements.
Public passenger transport on the Haibale ferry crossing River Semuliki and passenger boat movements between Uganda and Congo were also suspended.
Markets affected include Butungama Market in Kyabukunguru, Nyakasenyi Market, Rwebisengo Town Council Market, Makondo Livestock Market, Kakogha Livestock Market, Kibuuku Central Market, Kisege Market, Bugando Livestock Market and Karugutu Town Council Market.
Muzeeyi clarified that residents would still be allowed to access food and other necessities within their communities despite the temporary restrictions.
“We are not stopping people from buying food from farmers. What we have stopped are the market gatherings that bring together many people at ago,” Muzeeyi said.
Authorities said the measures are intended to reduce public interaction and prevent a possible spread of Ebola through porous border points.
On Monday, Uganda’s Ministry of Health announced two new Ebola cases, bringing the country’s total number of confirmed cases to seven.
