Ntoroko Postpones School Reopening Over Ebola Threat

Authorities in Ntoroko District have postponed the reopening of schools for second term by three days to allow schools put in place Ebola prevention measures.

The decision follows heightened alerts along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border.

Schools in Uganda officially opened for second term 2026 on Monday. According to a directive issued by the Ntoroko District Security and Ebola Taskforce, both government and private schools in the district will reopen on Thursday to allow authorities and school administrators time to operationalize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at keeping learners safe and preventing a possible Ebola outbreak.

According to Cyrus Muzeeyi the Ntoroko Deputy Resident District Commissioner, the directive follows resolutions by the National Ebola Taskforce after concerns over the Ebola situation in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.   

Seth Aheebwa the Ntoroko District Education Officer told media that following a meeting with head teachers on Monday, the first days of the week have been reserved for school head teachers and administrators to put in place all the required Ebola prevention measures before learners report back to school.

Aheebwa said schools are expected to install enough handwashing facilities, provide sanitizers, and reorganize classrooms and dormitories in line with the health guidelines issued by authorities.

He explained that the district is doing everything possible to ensure that learners study in a safe environment free from Ebola threats.

“We want schools to first organize themselves and ensure all safety measures are in place before learners return,” Aheebwa said.

He also urged parents to remain patient as schools complete the preparations.

According to the DEO, pupils who cross between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for schooling should remain at home until further notice as authorities continue monitoring the situation.
Besides the delayed reopening of schools, district authorities announced a temporary suspension of several weekly markets, livestock trade activities, and non-essential cross-border movements for four weeks.

Public passenger transport on the Haibale ferry crossing River Semuliki and passenger boat movements between Uganda and the DRC were also suspended.

Among the markets affected are 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.

However, Muzeeyi clarified that the suspension of markets and cross-border activities does not stop residents from accessing food and other basic necessities within their communities.

Muzeeyi said people are still free to buy food from shops or directly from farmers despite the temporary closure of weekly markets.

“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 the possible spread of Ebola into the district through porous border points.

On Monday, the Ministry of health announced two new positive cases of Ebola in the country making it seven cases.