Over 20 school owners and teachers have been arrested in Jinja District for conducting lessons before the official reopening of schools, authorities said.
The operation was led by Resident District Commissioner Hajji Ahmmed Katelega Musaazi, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, following reports of schools defying the government directive to resume on February 10.
Security teams inspected over 15 schools suspected of conducting illegal lessons and found learners attending classes despite the term not having officially begun. Some teachers reportedly fled upon learning of the operation.
“We issued clear guidelines on the reopening date, but we were surprised to receive reports that some schools were already teaching children during the holidays,” Mr Katelega said. He added that more than 20 teachers were arrested and detained at Buwenge Police Station to deter others.
“This operation is meant to serve as a warning. Any teacher found teaching before the official opening date will face the law,” he said, adding that the crackdown is ongoing and will cover the entire district.
Residents welcomed the move, saying early lessons deny children their right to rest. “I thank those who carried out this operation because holidays are meant for children to rest, but some teachers are only interested in making money,” said Ms. Lillian Nabasirye, a resident of Butagaya. She added that she refused to take her children for holiday lessons, describing the practice as double charging.
Mr Eria Kisambira, the Jinja District Inspector of Schools, urged all schools to comply with the government directive that clearly states the official reopening date, warning that any institution conducting lessons before then is acting in violation of the law.
The Ministry of Education and Sports confirmed that the new school term will now begin on February 10, 2026, citing ongoing general elections and concerns for learners’ safety. The term had originally been scheduled to start on February 2, but officials said the postponement was necessary to allow the electoral process to conclude smoothly.
Authorities urged all schools to comply with the official reopening date to avoid legal consequences, emphasising that early lessons not only violate government directives but also deny children their right to rest during the holidays.