education 14 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Government Urges Parents to Prioritize Early School Return for Children
The Ministry of Education and Sports is calling on parents to ensure their children report to school on the very first day of the Third Term. Officials emphasize that late arrivals can significantly hinder valuable learning time, especially in a condensed academic period. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/take-children-to-school-early-govt-tells-parents-5594172
The Ugandan government is strongly advising parents to make certain their children are present on the opening day of the Third Term. This directive comes with a warning that delays in returning to school can result in a loss of crucial learning opportunities, particularly as the term is notably brief.
State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, acting as the Education Minister, stressed the importance of immediate school attendance. He highlighted that teachers are prepared to commence lessons right away and that the necessary educational resources are in place. “There shouldn’t be any excuse for not reporting back to school,” Dr. Muyingo stated, emphasizing the need to cover the curriculum before final assessments.
Acknowledging the financial pressures faced by some families, especially with the term starting mid-month, Dr. Muyingo urged parents struggling with school fees to communicate with school administrators. He suggested negotiating payment plans rather than keeping children at home. “Talk to administrators to let the children start school as you look for the money, and remember to honour your promise; they will understand,” he advised.
Late reporting has been identified as a persistent issue, particularly affecting students in rural public schools. This delay can disrupt the pace of instruction, which is critical during the Third Term as students prepare for national and promotional examinations.
In related news, with national exams looming, the minister cautioned students against examination malpractice and encouraged them to focus on revision and seeking teacher guidance. The Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) is implementing stricter measures to combat cheating, including increased security at examination centers and tighter controls over exam materials. Over 1.6 million candidates are registered for the upcoming national examinations.