If you are one of those wondering why government is taking forever to make a decision on the reopening of schools, information we have is that the Ministry of Education and Sports estimates they will need Shs78 trillion to reopen schools and enforce the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
According to The Observer, the Ministry of Education officials led by state minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo made the revelations while appearing before Members of parliament on the National Economy committee.
“One of the responsibilities of government is to ensure that citizens are safe and secure – our children, our teachers, our parents who go to these schools are safe and secure. That is why we’re saying for us as the ministry we are ready but waiting for the ministry of Health to advise us and tell us that now the time is ready,” said Muyingo.
However, the members on the committee led by Chairperson Hajjati Syda Bbumba said it is impossible for all schools across the country to meet the required SOPs. Bbumba said the SOPs will force most private schools to close.
Ayivu county MP Bernard Atiku advised the ministry not to waste time on impossibilities given the amount needed is even far higher than the 2020/2021 National Budget that stands at Shs45 trillion. He said the ministry should come out and announce a dead year.
