education 21 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Lira City Bans Weekend Classes and Holiday Homework to Protect Student Mental Health
Authorities in Lira City have immediately prohibited weekend teaching and holiday assignments due to rising mental health issues among young learners overloaded by academics. The policy also adjusts nursery school hours and eliminates extended lessons to allow children more rest and family time. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lira-bans-weekend-teaching-holiday-homework-over-mental-health-concerns-5431138
Lira City education officials have introduced strict measures to curb academic overload on students, effective immediately. Weekend lessons and holiday homework are now banned, following a key stakeholders’ meeting at Lira Primary School with school heads, private proprietors, security personnel, and city leaders.
Canon Jane Obeny, the Lira City Education Officer, highlighted alarming mental health trends among youth. She referenced recent statements from the psychiatry hospital head noting that young people are increasingly affected due to excessive academic demands on developing brains. ‘We have agreed that with immediate effect, no lessons on weekends,’ Obeny stated.
This initiative aligns with national concerns, as Uganda’s Ministry of Health labeled mental health a ‘silent emergency.’ Data reveals that nearly one in three learners—over 10 million—face challenges, with 17.6% showing depression signs and 64% displaying behavioral issues, especially among girls and upper primary pupils. Factors include academic pressure, violence, poverty, neglect, and sleep deprivation. Kampala schools alone reported over 90,000 cases from July 2024 to June 2025, up 12.2%.
Additional reforms target nursery schools, shifting start times from 6:00am to 8:00am and ending classes at midday for five days a week. Extended lessons and take-home homework are scrapped, with Obeny emphasizing that teachers should complete instruction during school hours.
School leaders also face crackdowns on exam malpractice after 2025 irregularities, including cancellations at institutions like St Gracious Secondary and Burlobo Primary. Licenses could be revoked from next year, with renewed focus on exam security and transparency.
Head teachers have welcomed the changes. Isaac Otoa of Adyel Boarding Primary School stressed the need for brain rest after intensive terms, aligning with the Ministry of Education’s calendar: first-term holidays start May 1, 2026, resuming May 25; second term ends August 21; third from September 14 to December 4.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)