The National Senior One (S1) Selection Exercise has officially commenced today at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Multi-Purpose Hall in Lugogo.
The two-day event, organised by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), is the critical gateway for thousands of learners who recently completed their Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) to secure placements in secondary schools across the country.
While initial projections suggested a Friday start, the exercise is now in full swing as of today, Thursday, February 12, 2026, and is expected to conclude tomorrow, Friday, February 13, 2026.
The announcement comes as schools resume for Term One of the 2026 academic year after the holiday break.
Back to School for Term One
In an earlier post on February 10, the Ministry welcomed learners back to school following the holidays.
“The holidays are finally over, and it’s time to embark on a new academic year,” the Ministry said, encouraging students to return ready to learn and grow.
Learners are expected to report for the first term on Monday, February 16, 2026. The term runs from February 10 to May 1, 2026, under a revised schedule issued to safeguard learners during the period of the General Elections earlier this month.
Senior One Placement Exercise
The Ministry also reminded the public that the S1 placement process, which matches Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidates to secondary schools, was conducted between January 29 and January 30, 2026.
The selection exercise uses a computerised automated system aimed at promoting fairness and merit-based allocation of learners to schools.
According to the Ministry, about 80% of learners who passed the PLE are placed into secondary schools through this national process and around 2,500 secondary schools, including 1,422 government-aided institutions, participated in the placement exercise.
Focus on Fair Access and Safety
The Ministry’s updates underscore efforts to ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary schooling while maintaining safety standards, particularly in light of disruptions related to the January elections.
Parents, learners, and school administrators have been advised to adhere to reporting dates and procedures to avoid delays in the start of term activities.
As schools reopen, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting learners in accessing quality education throughout the 2026 academic year.