The Ministry of Education and Sports has postponed the re-opening of all schools and education institutions across Uganda to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, citing the ongoing General Elections and the need to ensure the safety of millions of learners.
In an official statement issued on Friday, the Ministry revised its earlier directive of January 6, which had scheduled the re-opening of schools for the first term for February 2.
‘The Ministry hereby informs you that due to the General Elections and to ensure the safety of all learners, all schools and education institutions across the country are directed to re-open on Tuesday, 10th, 2026,’ the circular released by the Education ministry and signed off by its permanent secretary, Dr Kadrace R Turyagyenda, reads in part.
The new decision affects all educational institutions nationwide, including government and private schools, international schools, tertiary institutions, and universities.
‘For avoidance of doubt, this includes all international schools, tertiary institutions, and universities,’ the release further read in part.
According to the Ministry, the adjustment was made to allow for a safe and smooth electoral process while minimizing potential disruptions to learning activities and safeguarding students.
School administrators have been directed to strictly comply with the revised dates and to follow the approved school calendar published on the Ministry’s official website. Parents, guardians, students, and the general public have also been urged to take note of the changes to avoid confusion.
The Ministry reassured stakeholders that further updates, if any, will be communicated through official channels.
Ms Turyagyenda, in her earlier January 6 school calendar release, reiterated the official school hours, noting that learning in primary and post-primary schools should run from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, while pre-primary schools should operate from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.
To address traffic congestion, particularly in urban areas, head teachers of boarding schools in the Kampala Metropolitan Area have since been advised to stagger the opening and closing dates for different classes.
She added that school opening days, visitation schedules, and other major annual events should be organized in consultation with neighboring institutions to avoid congestion and disorder.
‘Management of these functions should adhere to the guidelines for the safe conduct of entertainment and co-curricular activities and the election of student leaders in pre-primary, primary, and post-primary schools,’ Ms Turyagyenda said in her earlier communication.