Nebbi RDC Warns Schools Against Holiday Coaching

What the report says

Nebbi district officials have warned private and government-aided primary and secondary schools against offering holiday coaching, saying it goes against Ministry of Education and Sports guidance. The warning was issued by Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak and echoed by district education officials, who said schools should use the official calendar to complete teaching during term time rather than extending lessons into holidays.

According to Nile Post, Abak said the ministry’s ban is meant to give learners time to rest, spend time with families and take part in co-curricular and community activities. He also argued that holiday lessons can place extra pressure on children and parents, while limiting opportunities for broader learning outside the classroom. The district education office said it would act against schools that continue with the practice.

Abak specifically cautioned school administrators and owners that holiday teaching should not be included in yearly planning, and said schools that ignore the directive could face enforcement. District Education Officer Innocent Openjtho described holiday coaching as illegal under ministry guidance and said action could include arrests for violations.

Holiday coaching generally refers to extra lessons held during school breaks, often used for revision or syllabus completion. In Uganda, the ministry has long discouraged the practice to avoid additional costs and protect learners’ time, though enforcement can be difficult where demand remains high. Nebbi officials said the district’s large number of schools makes monitoring especially challenging.