The Ugandan government introduced measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 on the 18th of march 2020. Schools, markets, churches and mosques were closed and a travel ban and curfew were put in place. The closure of schools had huge direct and indirect consequences. The number of teen pregnancies, child marriages and female circumcisions increased. And the number of victims suffering from child abuse, neglect and child labour increased too. In March 2021, we received good news. Students were gradually allowed to come back to school.
Unfortunately the COVID-19 worsened in the last couple of weeks. On the 4th of June, the Ugandan government registrered 1259 new cases. On average, 8% of all patients is admitted to the hospital. The second wave of COVID-19 is unpredictable. The curb the further spread of the virus, the government decided to re-introduce the old measures for 42 days. That means schools which were opening up gradually, were forced to close again. The children in lower primary were finally going to start classes, after 15 months sitting at home… Teachers will be allowed back in schools after they’ve all been vaccinated.
CCA works hard to make sure all 188 students are safe from abuse and violence. We visit them regularly at home. Children who are not safe at home, stay in our shelters or with foster families. Our field workers also visit the 35 children with disabilities. Hopefully schools will open soon and travel bans will be lifted…
