Government Announces Term I Closure, Warns Against Holiday Teaching

Parents have been urged to take full responsibility for nurturing their children holistically as schools close for the Term I holidays of the 2026 academic year. The call was made by Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu during a press conference held at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday.

Kaducu announced that schools will officially close for the holidays on Friday, 1st May 2026, and resume on 27th May for the second term, which will run until 21st August 2026.

While addressing the media, the minister called upon parents to involve their children in day-to-day activities and ensure their safety, especially the girl child.

“Pay special attention to the girl child to avoid teenage pregnancy and early marriage, since most of this often takes place at home under your watch. Ensure the boy child is equally counselled on matters concerning reproductive health and rights, and embrace abstinence. Parents, as our children come home, let us all uphold religious values, cultural norms, morals, and social etiquette,” she advised.

The minister noted that parents must act as gatekeepers for their children, especially regarding the use of phones and social media, which should be handled with maximum discipline.

Meanwhile, she warned that the Ministry of Education and Sports will not tolerate holiday teaching or coaching in any school.

“Please abide by the regulations and standards set by the Ministry of Education and Sports. Our laws, regulations, and guidelines do not provide for holiday teaching. Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks should ensure compliance. We request all school administrators to ensure that schools adhere to minimum standards and basic requirements, especially in boarding sections.”

She further advised schools with boarding sections that do not meet the required standards to put their affairs in order before Term II begins. Specifically, she emphasized proper sleeping arrangements and spacing of children, adequate sanitation facilities, fire prevention equipment, and lightning arresters, among others.

She appreciated school heads, teachers, parents, guardians, and all stakeholders in the education sector for their role in ensuring the smooth running of the first term, which began on 10th February 2026.

“To our parents, we appreciate your financial, material, moral, social, and parental support towards the education of our children, and for entrusting them to us. During Term I, teaching and learning proceeded smoothly with minimal interruptions,” she said.