Agency
The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued yet another directive warning schools against teaching learners during official holidays, a practice that has become almost routine at the end of every term despite repeated circulars.
This time, however, the ministry says it is moving beyond warnings. Dr. Cleophas Mugenyi, Commissioner for Basic Education, said authorities have now instructed local leaders, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), district police commanders, and town clerks, to actively enforce the directive by apprehending any schools or teachers found violating it.
According to the official 2026 school calendar, Term One ends on Friday, May 1, giving learners a three-weeks break before Term Two resumes.
The ministry has consistently maintained that this holiday period should be strictly observed to allow learners and teachers time to rest, recharge, and engage in non-academic activities.
Yet many schools continue to conduct holiday lessons, a habit that parents and some education stakeholders say the ministry has tolerated for too long.
He added that stronger enforcement this time will involve RDCs, security agencies, and local leaders.
