Jinja schools register strong turnout as new term begins amid stricter vigilance

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Several schools in Jinja city recorded impressive student attendance as learners returned for term II on May 24 and 25, 2026, with administrators emphasising immediate academic engagement while reinforcing robust measures against drug abuse and disease outbreaks, particularly Ebola.

At Busoga College Mwiri, deputy head teacher in charge of academics and co-curricular activities, Emmanuel Iputo, expressed satisfaction with the early turnout.

A parent arriving on a boda boda with her child at Busoga College Mwiri. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Speaking on reporting day on May 25, he noted that by 1:00 pm, more than 500 students, representing over half of the school’s 1,200-student capacity, had already reported, with Senior Four and Senior Six candidates leading the numbers.

“Academic work starts immediately, and we cannot afford to waste any time—we are ready to receive the boys and begin teaching without wasting any time,” Iputo said.

Iputo urged parents whose children had not yet reported to bring them promptly.

On drug abuse, he revealed that the school hires professionals, including police officers, to conduct thorough checks at a single checkpoint.

A school security guard checking a student temperature using a temperature gun while at Busoga College Mwiri. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

“So far today, we haven’t got any student who has carried drugs or illegal items,” he added, noting that the school had registered minimal cases in previous terms.

The school has also activated strong Ebola prevention protocols. A dedicated committee led by the school nurse has established hand-washing stations, temperature checks at the gate and encouraged immediate reporting of symptoms.

Two standby nurses are on duty, with plans to rush any suspected cases to medical facilities.

Nearby, Mwiri Boarding Primary School head teacher Ronald Mwanga reported equally encouraging figures. Out of 678 learners registered in Term One, 532 had already reported by midday, with expectations of near-full attendance by the end of the day.

“I’m happy that most parents have reported knowing what is required as far as the SOPs set by the Ministry of Health are concerned,” Mwanga said.

Some of the students of Busoga College Mwiri reporting at their school for term two. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

He praised parents for their responsibility and pledged the school’s full commitment to effective teaching while maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation, including thorough checks and sanitisation at the gate.

At Muljibhai Madhvani (MM) College Wairaka, head teacher Geoffrey Byanfisi confirmed that 169 students, including 73 males and 96 females, had reported out of a total enrolment of 427.

He encouraged the remaining parents to bring their children and ensure they are familiar with the safety protocols.

The school has implemented hand-washing facilities, decongested dormitories, temperature screening for students and staff, and visitor logging in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.

Viva College School also recorded an 85 per cent return rate despite prevailing economic challenges.

Principal Denis Anguyo highlighted the implementation of 70 per cent of the required Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The school maintains a quarantined environment with limited visitors and has adopted a grab-free policy where students do not bring outside food or cash to curb the entry of contraband.

The Headmaster of Mwiri Boarding Primary School Ronald Mwanga (2nd R) overseeing an exercise of receiving pupils as they reported back to their school for term two. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Communication is restricted to monitored lines, and the school occasionally uses police sniffer dogs for checks.

Health and sanitation officer Sumini Logose from MM College Wairaka outlined additional Ebola prevention measures, including frequent hand washing every 40 minutes, decongested dormitories, mask wearing, symptom identification, a ready isolation room, and temperature checks using temperature guns before every class.

Across the institutions, school leaders expressed gratitude to parents and the government for creating an enabling environment.

They reaffirmed their commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning atmosphere while prioritising both academic excellence and student wellbeing during Term II 2026.

Parents and guardians have been reminded to cooperate fully with school SOPs to ensure the smooth and safe reopening of schools.