Lango parents warned against keeping children home over Ebola fears,

24 May 2026, 8:24 pm

By Dickens Aruca.

Parents and guardians in the Lango sub-region have been urged not to use the Ebola outbreak as a reason to keep children away from school as Term II officially begins on Monday, May 25, 2026.

The appeal was made by Mr. Jimmy Okello, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Alebtong, during an exclusive interview with Radio Wa.

Okello expressed concern that some parents, particularly in rural communities, often take advantage of disease outbreaks to prevent children from returning to school. He emphasized that despite the Ebola threat, the Ministry of Health has already issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide schools on the prevention and control of the disease.

He therefore urged parents and guardians to ensure that all learners report back to school on time, warning that anyone deliberately keeping children at home under the pretext of the Ebola outbreak could face legal action.

At the same time, Okello advised parents to remain vigilant and avoid sending children to school if they show symptoms related to Ebola.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nelson Opaka, head teacher of Ogengo Primary School and chairperson of head teachers in Aloi and Alebtong Town Councils, also encouraged parents to allow children to resume studies without fear.

According to Opaka, several engagements involving education stakeholders and health officials have reassured parents that schools are prepared and safe for learners. He also criticized the common practice in some rural parts of Lango where children report to school a week late at the beginning of term, saying the habit negatively affects academic performance.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has confirmed that all schools across the country will reopen for Term II on Monday, May 25, 2026, despite concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak.

Leaders and education stakeholders in Lango are calling on parents to prioritize education while strictly observing health guidelines, emphasizing that timely school attendance and adherence to Ebola prevention measures are both essential for the safety and future of learners.