education 19 August 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Holiday Coaching Under Fire in Ugandan Parliament
The Shadow Minister of Sports, Hon. Bulasio Zambaali, has raised concerns in Parliament about the unregulated practice of holiday coaching, which he argues disrupts essential rest and family time for students. The Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has condemned the practice and provided a hotline for public reporting. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4568/shadow-minister-sounds-alarm-over-holiday-coaching
Shadow Minister of Sports, Hon. Bulasio Zambaali, has brought the widespread issue of holiday coaching to the forefront in Uganda’s Parliament. He expressed that this unregulated practice, observed in both private and public schools, is undermining the intended purpose of holiday breaks. These periods are meant for students to rest, recharge, and bond with their families, but instead, some institutions are extending classroom instruction.
During a parliamentary session on August 19, 2026, chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth, Hon. Zambaali stressed the urgency of the matter, calling it a national concern. He urged the Ministry of Education and Sports to implement stricter enforcement of the official school calendar and impose penalties on schools violating these regulations.
Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang, unequivocally condemned holiday teaching. He reiterated that the Ministry’s calendar clearly outlines teaching and holiday periods, emphasizing that holidays are designated for rest and family engagement. Hon. Ogwang announced a toll-free hotline, 0800 377 771, for the public to report any instances of unauthorized coaching.
He warned school administrators that the official school calendar and accompanying circulars strictly prohibit teaching during holidays. These measures are supported by existing legislation, including the Education Act and child protection laws, which safeguard children’s rights to rest and family life. Speaker Oboth encouraged the public to utilize the provided hotline to ensure prompt investigation and action against non-compliant institutions.