Rukungiri Municipal Education Officer (MEO), Robert Agume, has cautioned schools in the district against closing term early and declaring fixed holidays before the official government closing date.
Agume said some schools have been shutting down about a week before the end of Term Two, arguing that the timing is inconsistent with the government termly calendar. He stressed that while schools may want time to finalize examinations, learners should not be dismissed ahead of the approved closing schedule.
According to the Term Two government calendar, the official closing date is 21st August 2026, following the term’s commencement on 25th May 2026. However, Agume noted that certain schools had already closed, prompting the warning.
In his remarks, Agume condemned the practice most common in Private schools and directed headteachers to stop closing before the official deadline, emphasizing that such actions undermine education planning and violate government instructions.
Cue in …… Agume cautioning
Meanwhile, some headteachers defended the early closure, citing teaching workload after exams. Bernard Tumushangye, headteacher of Kinyasaano Boarding Primary School, explained that after examinations, teachers begin marking, which he said limits the attention given to learners. He added that learners left without structured guidance may end up damaging school property, contributing to repeated losses.
Cue in …… Tumushangye explaining
Agume further called on parents to provide proper supervision during the break, urging them to ensure children remain focused and continue reading as they prepare for Term Three. He advised parents to prevent children from moving too far from home, warning that such freedom may expose learners to harmful influences, including drug abuse and early pregnancies, which he said could ruin both the pupils’ future and the gains of the education system.
Cue in …… Agume urging
