The examinations started at 9 a.m. prompt at the Luzira Maximum Security Prisons where access to outsiders has been limited to invigilators while movement in the upper prison is also restricted. One can only access Prisons through the main gate as three of the small gates have been locked due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ongoing public universities lecturers’ strike and absence of timetables have given Makerere University first year students a rude welcome at the institute of higher learning.
Prof. Umar Kakumba the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, notes that the postponement was based on the request of the University Ceremonies Committee which wanted more time for proper planning and organising the event.
Aron Balinda, Director of Studies Kisaasi College says they were unable to implement all SOPs with only candidates. With two other classes added, he says they cannot enforce them. According to him, few schools can accommodate huge numbers of learners in the boarding section with the recommended social distancing.
At 37 years, Opio who is believed to have achieved everything one needs in life, says an academic background is key to the management of a flourishing business.
Mwaka says the school administration is determined to block the students from sitting the examination once their parents don't make convincing commitments
At Kabarole Adventist Secondary School, the Head teacher, Joshua Kagaba, says that to enable candidates sit their first paper, he was forced to use half of the teachers’ salary to buy laboratory equipment and chemicals.
“We told you to be neat on examination day,” he shouted before ordering those with long hair to leave the school and go to the nearby salon to trim their hair. Those with long hair left the school compound in panic as they rushed to the nearby salons to shave their hair.
Carlos Ojok, the GUASA General Secretary told URN that they cannot offer their services to students yet their demands are not being fulfilled. He disclosed that the teaching staff will report at their duty station but will not enter lecture rooms, adding that the strike will last until their demand is addressed.
"I don't like going to a school when I don't know its location. I do not know where City High is. I have never been there and I have been advised to wait for the person picking the examinations and I go with them," said one of the invigilators.
“In most schools, candidates in S.5 and S.6 have already occupied much of the available space. Now the semi candidates will be joining and of course, they are many in number than the candidates. Then there is an issue of furniture,” said Gombe.
Erick Ocan, the headteacher of Faith SS, says that they are unable to trace over 100 registered while over 50 candidates are unaccounted for at Premier Progressive SS.
