The Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports has released the revised 2026 school calendar, with Term 1 now starting on February 10, 2026, instead of February 2, 2026, due to the general elections.
According to Permanent Secretary Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, “The ministry hereby informs you that due to the general elections and to ensure safety of all learners, all schools and education institutions across the country are directed to reopen on Tuesday, 10th, 2026.”
Read more about Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda Here.
Revised Term Dates
– Term 1: February 10, 2026 – May 1, 2026 (89 instructional days)
– Term 2: May 25, 2026 – August 21, 2026 (89 instructional days)
– Term 3: September 14, 2026 – December 4, 2026 (82 instructional days)
Holidays
– First Term Holiday: May 2, 2026 – May 24, 2026 (23 days)
– Second Term Holiday: August 22, 2026 – September 13, 2026 (23 days)
– Third Term Holiday: December 5, 2026 – January 31, 2027 (58 days)
The Ministry has emphasized strict adherence to the revised calendar, warning against altering term dates without prior written approval. Schools are expected to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while pre-primary schools will close at 12:00 p.m.
The academic calendar also includes national activities such as music, dance, and drama competitions, science fairs, and debates. Head teachers of boarding schools in Kampala are advised to stagger reporting and closing dates to ease traffic congestion.
Reporting Dates for Senior One and Five
– Senior One Students: February 16, 2026
– Senior Five Students: February 23, 2026
These reporting dates for Senior One and Senior Five could change, depending on when assessment body Uneb releases the 2025 exam results.
See best performing O-level schools in the previous sitting Here, There and Over There.
