When President Museveni on March 18, 2020 announced the closure of schools including universities in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19, it affected many students from various universities who are now currently uncertain about their education. We spoke to some on how the lockdown has affected them.
Uncertain of the future
Prisca Ejang, a student from Kyambogo University, offering science with education (Math and economics) says that the lockdown has greatly affected her social life and career plans since she is a finalist.
Ejang, who expected to complete her studies in May and start a new life is now uncertain about what the future holds.
“I was excited that by May 5th, I would be done with campus and I was certain of getting employed. I was excited for my second internship that I would do it well and push for a better position. Now that only chance is not so certain at the moment,” she says sadly.
The lockdown also found her away from home at her grandparents’ home.
“This Covid-19 found me in Jinja, I travelled with a handbag just because I knew I was just home for one month. I don’t feel like I should celebrate a birthday this year because I have almost no achievement.”
She adds that it is hard for her to revise: “It’s hard to read campus books when you don’t have a target, you know the education system of Uganda is almost exam-oriented. So I prefer reading other books within this time like motivational books, things that will build my personality.”
Disorganisation of the school calendar
Racheal Noella Owembabazi a student of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Kampala Campus, who is studying law and is in her fourth year, says the situation has created uncertainty about and has disorganised the school calendar.
“Although UCU had finished carrying out lectures and assessing coursework for this semester, the pandemic still frustrated the university’s effort, unlike some universities which still had lectures.”
