Uganda Schools Reopening Set for September 14 Amidst Calendar Rumors

The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a firm clarification, announcing that the Third Term for pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools will proceed as scheduled on September 14, 2026. This confirmation comes in response to circulating rumors on social media that falsely suggested a shift to an October reopening.

Ministry spokesperson Dr. Dennis Mugimba reiterated the official start date in a statement released on September 3, 2026. He emphasized that the academic calendar remains in line with the official timetable, which was communicated to all educational institutions via a circular dated November 24, 2025, from Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda.

The third term is slated to run for 82 days, concluding on Friday, December 4, 2026. This period applies to all learners in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools nationwide.

To address potential logistical challenges, particularly concerning transportation, boarding schools situated within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (including KCCA, Wakiso, Mpigi, and Mukono districts) have been instructed to implement staggered reporting and closing dates. This approach, spanning two to three days, aims to alleviate the significant traffic congestion commonly experienced in the central region at the beginning and end of school terms.

Furthermore, Dr. Mugimba issued a stern warning to school administrators, cautioning them against making any unauthorized changes to the approved academic calendar. Any institution wishing to deviate from the national schedule must obtain explicit written permission from the Permanent Secretary. The Ministry stated its reliance on enforcement agencies to ensure adherence to the established academic calendar across the country.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/no-date-change-schools-to-reopen-september-14-as-government-warns-against-unauthorised-calendar-shifts-5582988