Africa-Press – Uganda. RELIGION|MUSLIMS|HEALTH
KAMPALA – The former Electoral Commission (EC) boss, Eng. Badru Kiggundu, has rallied Muslims to observe Ministry of Health standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the Covid-19 pandemic fight.He made the appeal during a dinner organised by Uganda Muslim Teacher’s Association (UMTA) at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The dinner was organised to celebrate UMTA’s eight-year achievements.”This pandemic is real and not going away today. A new version of the pandemic has increased in Britain. So let’s concentrate on the use of SOPs,” Kiggundu advised.He added, “Although schools are going to be re-opened next year, teachers should be able to manage students while adhering to SOPs.”Kiggundu revealed that he was among those who were locked out of the country due to COVID-19 when he went to USA in March but returned four months later on special arrangement.
The presidential advisor on infrastructure and public works, however, said when he returned, he found so many Ugandans relaxed on SOPs, which he said is dangerous.In response to a question by Kibuli Demonstration School teacher, Abdulbusf Sebidde, on Islamic stand on the use of alcohol as a hand sanitizer, Kiggundu said protection of life is most important.”The use of sanitizer does not cause any danger because you are not inserting in your body but washing hands,” said Kiggundu.Kiggundu also advised the Muslim teachers to engage in other activities to boost their income. “Create SACCOS so that you borrow money and use it for other income-generating activities besides teaching,” he advised.Safety strategies for re-opening schoolsAs the education ministry plans to re-open schools, Kyambogo University senior lecturer Dr. Bakia Wamala advised schools to purchase protective equipment like masks.She also suggested that students study in shifts (morning and afternoon) so that the class is not crowded. This, she said will enable teachers and students to follow SOPs properly.
Wamala recommended that online learning be integrated into academic leadership structure alongside classroom learning, saying this will reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 while learning.”We should learn to use technology like zoom instead of always using face to face classroom interaction,” she said.The University don said large gatherings, general assemblies, and end of year parties should be banned in schools.She also advised that schools set up COVID-19 committees including representatives from each class.Wamala also recommended that schools have temporal quarantine rooms for students with fever, flu and cough. She also said there should be cleaning and disinfection of school surfaces.Why UMTAUMTA executive director, Ajiri Namirembe said they started the association to promote unity among Muslim teachers.She disclosed that in 2021 the association will donate libraries to different Muslim schools, which will play an important role in students’ academic and social lives.”Why would some subjects like IRE be scrapped off from the school syllabus yet we want the dignity for our religion,” she wondered.UMTA programs officer, Sharifa Namatovu, said the association increases networking and teachers’ resource value.”Membership development and benefits package is one of the core center we are going to emphasis so that you can benefit from the project even if you retire,” she revealed.
