KAMPALA — The Ministry of Education and Sports has confirmed that pre-primary, primary and secondary schools following Uganda’s National/Public Curriculum will begin the third term of the 2026 academic year on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The Ministry issued the clarification on Thursday, September 3, following what it described as misinformation circulating on social media regarding the reopening date.
In a notice signed by Ministry spokesperson Dr Dennis K. Mugimba, the Ministry said the third term will run for 82 days, ending on Friday, December 4, 2026.
“The 3rd Term for Academic Year 2026 shall start on Monday, 14th September 2026 and run for eighty-two (82) Days until Friday, 04th December 2026 for Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary Schools,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry said the dates are consistent with the official 2026 school calendar communicated by the Permanent Secretary on November 24, 2025, to education institutions across the country.
The clarification is intended to settle uncertainty among parents, learners and schools following reports and messages suggesting that the reopening date could be changed.
Boarding schools advised to stagger reopening
The Ministry has, however, issued special guidance to boarding schools in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area because of anticipated traffic congestion during the reopening period.
Boarding schools in Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Wakiso, Mpigi and Mukono have been advised to stagger the reporting and closing dates for different classes over a period of two to three days.
The Ministry said the measure is intended to reduce heightened road traffic congestion associated with the beginning and end of school terms.
Schools have therefore been encouraged to organise their reporting schedules in a manner that spreads the movement of learners and parents instead of having all students arrive on the same day.
The guidance comes as thousands of learners are expected to travel to schools across the four areas when the third term begins.
Schools cannot change calendar without approval
The Ministry has also warned schools following the National/Public Curriculum against independently changing the official school calendar.
According to the notice, any school seeking to deviate from the approved dates must first obtain written authorisation from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports.
This means schools cannot unilaterally postpone the reopening date or close earlier than the dates contained in the official calendar.
The Ministry said the requirement applies to schools utilising the National/Public Curricula.
The clarification places the reopening date at September 14, giving parents and schools just over a week to complete preparations for the new term.
The third term will be the final term of the 2026 academic year, with schools scheduled to close on December 4.
The Ministry urged education institutions and the public to rely on official communication rather than information circulating on social media.
The notice was signed by Dr Dennis K. Mugimba, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education and Sports.