Uganda Government Dismisses Claims of School Closures Over Ebola Outbreak
KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ministry of Education and Sports has dismissed widespread claims that schools across Uganda have been closed due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, describing the reports as false and misleading.
The rumours, which have circulated extensively on social media platforms and through community discussions, have sparked concern among parents, learners, and school administrators ahead of the second school term.
Several social media users have been accused of spreading misinformation regarding alleged school closures. One X (formerly Twitter) account with thousands of followers claimed that the government had suspended learning activities because of Ebola, attracting significant public attention and engagement.
Other posts and videos shared on TikTok and other platforms alleged that schools and public gatherings had been shut down following reported Ebola cases. However, government officials have clarified that no such directive has been issued.
Authorities say some of the misleading content recycles old video footage from the COVID-19 pandemic era, including previous presidential addresses and statements from education officials. The videos have been edited and shared out of context, falsely linking them to the current Ebola situation.
One viral video claimed that several confirmed Ebola cases had been detected in schools, further fueling public anxiety. The misinformation quickly spread beyond social media, reaching marketplaces and communities across the country.
On Monday, traders at Kalerwe Market in Kampala were reportedly discussing claims that schools would be closed for a month beginning this week. Some compared the situation to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns imposed in 2020, while others speculated that any restrictions would only affect schools in border districts.
Responding to the reports, Ministry of Education and Sports spokesperson Dr. Dennis Mugimba emphasized that all educational institutions remain operational and learning activities are continuing normally.
“Please ignore videos and social media messages speculating about the closure of educational institutions. Only trust information from authorised government sources as you continue with normal learning routines safely,” Dr. Mugimba said.
The Ministry urged the public to verify information through official government channels and avoid sharing unverified reports that could cause unnecessary panic.
Uganda’s current Ebola outbreak has been linked to cross-border transmission from the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to health authorities, the country had registered nine confirmed cases and one death as of May 31, 2026.
Ahead of the reopening of schools for the second term, the Ministries of Health and Education issued health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of the disease within learning institutions.
The measures include mandatory handwashing facilities, regular temperature screening, establishment of isolation areas for suspected cases, and continuous monitoring of learners and staff for Ebola symptoms.
Schools reopened as scheduled and continue to operate under the recommended health protocols. While some institutions initially faced challenges implementing all the requirements, the government provided a grace period to allow schools to fully comply with the preventive measures.
Officials have reiterated that there are currently no plans to close schools and encouraged the public to remain vigilant while following health guidelines issued by authorities.
