Despite the Ministry of Education and Sports declaring a three-week holiday for learners, a number of schools across the country have continued conducting lessons, raising concerns about non-compliance with government directives.
In several parts of Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso districts, learners carrying school bags have continued reporting to school during the holiday period, with some seen travelling as early as 6:30 a.m.
Many private schools are reportedly running holiday coaching programmes targeting candidates and pre-candidates in Primary Six, Primary Seven, Senior Three, and Senior Four.
Some schools have issued circulars to parents outlining holiday study schedules, while others are advertising the programmes on social media platforms.
St. Theresa Rubaga Girls School, for example, directed P6 and P7 learners to report for what it described as “Term X” beginning May 4, 2026.
Other institutions, including Mengo Senior School, have opted for online holiday lessons running throughout the day. In Mukono district, almost all private schools conducts lessons daily.
The practice persists despite repeated warnings from the Ministry of Education against holiday teaching, which officials have previously described as illegal and harmful to learners.
Frances Atima, the Director of Education Standards at the ministry, said authorities are compiling lists of schools conducting holiday lessons for submission to the Permanent Secretary for further action against those found violating the guidelines.
She noted that enforcement of the directive has been decentralised, with Chief Administrative Officers and police expected to take action against non-compliant schools.
The continued operation of holiday classes has generated mixed reactions among parents and members of the public.
However, some parents defended the programmes, saying they help struggling learners improve academically before the next term begins.
Education stakeholders, however, argue that the national curriculum is already structured around the official school calendar, making additional holiday lessons unnecessary if schools properly utilise the regular term timetable.
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