Schools across Uganda reopened today, marking the beginning of the new academic year amidst concerns from teachers regarding the prolonged holiday that students experienced after the election period. Many educators fear that the extended break could hinder academic progress, leaving some students academically behind. Teachers believe that students returning after such lengthy periods away from the classroom may find it increasingly challenging to refocus and engage with their studies, which could potentially lead to a drop in academic performance.

Parents, in contrast to some teachers' worries, expressed relief that their children were kept safe during the long holiday, particularly as they were not exposed to roaming around their villages. Nonetheless, these parents are apprehensive about the escalating costs associated with school necessities, which could put additional strain on family budgets. Education experts highlight the dual nature of long breaks; while they present risks to learning continuity, they also facilitate other critical developmental aspects necessary for student growth.

As articulated by Eron Kiwummulo, an art teacher at Kampala High School, the challenge of returning to school after a long break is compounded by the lack of parental supervision, which often leads students to prioritize leisure over learning. She emphasizes that many children struggle to regain their study focus, which raises concerns about curriculum completion and overall academic achievements as the school year progresses. This situation poses a significant challenge for educators as they work to re-engage students and mitigate any potential academic fallout from the lengthy break.