State Minister for Higher Education-designate John Chrysostom Muyingo has called on journalists to help combat misinformation and encourage parents to send their children back to school following misleading social media reports linking the reopening of schools to an Ebola outbreak.
Speaking shortly after appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting, Muyingo said false information circulating online has caused confusion among some parents, with claims suggesting that schools remain closed due to Ebola concerns.
He clarified that the school term officially opened as scheduled and assured the public that the government has already put in place preventive measures and guidelines to safeguard learners, teachers, and other school staff from the disease.
Muyingo emphasized that education authorities are fully prepared to manage any health-related risks and urged parents to rely on verified information from government agencies rather than unconfirmed reports shared on social media platforms.
The minister-designate also challenged the common perception that the first two weeks of a school term are not academically significant.
He noted that learners who report late miss important lessons, classroom activities, and learning opportunities that are critical to their academic progress.
He appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that children return to school on time, stressing that regular attendance from the beginning of the term is essential for effective learning and improved academic performance.
Muyingo reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment and called on all stakeholders, including the media, parents, and school administrators, to work together in promoting accurate information and supporting uninterrupted education.
By Francis Lubega
2nd June 2026