Private schools get temperature guns worth sh240m

EDUCATION

Private schools have received sh240m for the purchase of temperature guns. Schools will reopen for candidates at various levels starting today.

The temperature guns were donated by Feilden Foundation  a United Kingdom based organisation through the proprietors of Private Educational Institutions in Uganda (PPEIAU) and will be distributed to 250 selected schools countrywide.

Each temperature gun costs between sh 240,000-250,000.

While handing over the tools to the various school headteachers at the PPEIAU offices in Nankulabye, Kampala, the association's chairperson, Mike Kironde said they are targeting schools which have no capacity to meet the government's demands as per the set standard operating procedures by the Ministry of Health.

"We realised that many private schools may not meet the required SOPs. So we decided start mobilising support from different organisations and embassies. Today we are handing over 1,000 temperature guns to private schools," he said

He stressed that the move followed a supporting letter from the ministry of education permanent secretary, Alex Kakooza, clearing them to seek support.

President Yoweri Museveni ordered for the closure of all education institutions on March 18, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This according to Kironde has greatly affected private institutions, which mainly depend on tuition from students.

 Kakooza urged teachers to follow the MoH SOPs to avoid the spread of the virus.

‘'We understand the COVID-19 lockdown hardship in the country and all over the world but you should remain patient and do your work diligently, as you follows  the SOPs,'' he added.

He called on schools to observe  social distancing and ensure the wearing of masks and handwashing to ensure the safety of children and students in schools.

Kakooza also noted that many experienced teachers had left the profession which has left a big gap.

The Director of Basic Education, Ismail Mulindwa called on other organisations to support schools in meeting the requirements, saying quality educations calls for a combined effort.

Target
 Emmanuel Emorut, the PPEIAU national coordinator said they wanted over  50,000 temperature guns and other hand washing equipment including sanitisers.

" We have managed to get 1000. But we want each region to get 250 temperatures with one or  two in  each school. We still need support," he said.

School owner's speaks out  
Christopher Kaweesa, the director of Kiryoka Parents School in Mityana district, said the temperature guns are timely as many schools in rural areas cannot afford to buy then.

‘'I needed to raise sh500,000 to buy two temperature guns. But I am grateful, that has been sorted at least,'' he said.
He stressed that the government needs to support private schools.

Juliet Nakayiza, the head teacher, Japez and Agape Christians Primary School Mubende district, said she did not have money to secure  a temperature gun.

‘'Am relieved now. I am now going to deal with other needs. Government needs to support private schools in paying for its teachers. If buying sanitisers, temperature guns and other needs is still a problem to many schools, what about paying salaries," he added.
He noted that due to resource constraint, they intend to use fewer teachers.