Four Rukungiri teachers arrested for conducting holiday lessons

Four teachers at Rukungiri High School in Rukungiri Municipality have been arrested for allegedly conducting lessons during the school holiday.

The arrests were made on Monday during an operation led by the office of the Deputy Resident District Commissioner. Officials said the teachers were caught teaching in class.

Rukungiri Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom said the suspects would be taken to court and charged accordingly.

“The Ministry of Education and Sports banned schools from teaching and conducting lessons during holidays, but these teachers went ahead and defied the directive,” Ongom said. “So today morning I decided to conduct an operation to end this habit of teaching during holidays.”

Ongom said holidays must be observed to give learners and teachers time to rest, recharge, and engage in non-academic activities.

“Holiday period should be strictly observed to allow learners and teachers time to rest, recharge, and engage in non-academic activities such that both can prepare themselves for coming terms with a fresh mind,” he said.

He warned that any teacher found teaching during holidays would be arrested.

“Holiday helps learners to engage in domestic work and therefore should be respected. It is from this point that I want to warn all teachers, school administrators and schools with a habit of teaching during holidays that I will not hesitate to arrest you. So stand warned,” Ongom added.

Police withheld the names of the arrested teachers, saying releasing them could interfere with investigations.

Rukungiri District Principal Education Officer Mr Jackson Turyahumura said it is illegal for any teacher or school to hold school activities during holidays.

“As the district education department we heavily condone this bad habit of teaching learners during holidays because on the school calendar holidays are there and they must be observed,” Turyahumura said.

He also urged parents not to send children to school during the break.

“Don’t send your sons and daughters to school during holidays. Next time I will work with the office of the RDC and I am sure I will work with you if you are changed,” he said.

According to the 2026 Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports calendar, Term One ended on Friday 1st May 2026.