ARUA RCC DIRECTS PARENTS TO SEND LEARNERS TO SCHOOL IMMEDIATELY

Arua RCC Rt Maj Betty Akello Otekat, during the thanksgiving ceremony of Hon Onzima Phiona the MP of Ayivu West in Arua City (Photo by Onzoma Albert)

By Onzoma Albert

Arua City

The Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) has emphasized the importance of all learners returning to school immediately on the first day of school re-opening to maximize the 82-day term.

According to Uganda’s 2026 school calendar, the Third Term officially began on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Rt Maj Betty Akello Otekat, Arua City’s RCC, has directed parents to ensure their children report to school on the first day.

“I want to issue an urgent directive regarding education, Monday 14^th of September marks the official reopening of school for the third term, education is the greatest equalizer and the most powerful weapon we can give to the next generation, I therefore strongly urge all parents in Arua City to ensure that their children go to school without further delays at home,” she directed.

The Ministry of Education and Sports encourages parents facing financial challenges to negotiate payment arrangements with schools rather than keeping children at home.

Given Arua City’s porous borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Akello, who also chairs the Ebola Taskforce, appealed to schools to strictly adhere to the Ministry of Health’s Standard Operating Procedures for Ebola prevention introduced earlier this year—ensuring safe learning environments.

“I am directing all head teachers and school staffs to strictly observe and enforce Ebola standard operating procedures by ensuring that all handwashing facilities are all functional, temperature checks are conducted, health monitoring systems are active because our classrooms must remain safe havens for our children” she added.

Schools are advised to enforce health measures such as mandatory health desks with temperature guns, functional handwashing facilities with running water and soap, proper ventilation, and protocols for isolating and reporting suspected illnesses. To reduce risks, large gatherings and non-essential visitors should be minimized.

Attendance on the very first day is critical for learners’ academic success, psychological readiness, and school compliance. Teachers are expected to start teaching core concepts immediately; missing the initial days can force students to catch up later, risking early academic gaps.

Returning to school promptly and adhering to health protocols is vital for a successful and safe academic term.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis