In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, Uganda, like many other nations, faced an unprecedented challenge: the closure of schools. What began as a temporary measure to curb the spread of the virus stretched into an unexpected two-year hiatus, leaving millions of students out of classrooms and disrupting the educational landscape of the country.

For two years, students in Uganda grappled with the absence of traditional schooling, as the Uganda’s senior health officials demanded the closure of educational institutions. The impact was profound, especially for rural communities where access to remote learning resources was very limited. Nearly all students faced extreme disruptions to their learning journey, which raised concerns about long-term consequences for academic achievement and social development.

Amid the adversity, teachers, parents, and education authorities rallied together to explore innovative solutions to keep learning alive during the closures. Radio and television broadcasts of educational content and the distribution of take-home learning materials, took place though many still were without access to education resources due to the limited accessibility to technology in rural areas.

Moving Forward

Fast forward to 2024, and Uganda’s education landscape tells a story of restoration. With schools back in session, students are once again filling classrooms with laughter and learning. Teachers, equipped with new skills and strategies developed during the closures, are adapting their approaches to meet the evolving needs of their students. Communities are coming together to support the educational journey of their children, recognizing the vital role that education plays in shaping the future of the nation. And Uganda’s Ministry of Education is beginning technology-based initiatives to make learning more accessible to children in underdeveloped communities.