HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a stern warning to school administrators against altering the official academic calendar without authorisation, saying any unilateral changes will not be tolerated. The Permanent Secretary, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, said strict adherence to the approved school calendar is mandatory for all institutions.
“No school term should be cut short for any reason without prior written permission from the Permanent Secretary,” Dr Turyagyenda said, emphasising that the calendar is designed to safeguard learning time and ensure uniformity across the education system. She added that schools must ensure learning starts promptly at the beginning of every term. “We expect all schools to open and commence teaching on the dates clearly stipulated in the calendar,” she said.
According to the newly unveiled calendar, First Term for both primary and post-primary institutions will run from Monday, February 2 to Friday, May 1. Second Term will begin on May 25 and close on August 22, while Third Term will start on September 14 and end on December 4.
In a statement issued on January 4, the ministry also outlined key reporting timelines for senior students. Placement of Senior One students will be conducted between January 29 and 30, with reporting for First Term scheduled for February 16. Senior Five placement will take place on February 12 and 13, while reporting for Term One is set for February 23, 2026.
Dr Turyagyenda reiterated the official school hours, noting that “learning in primary and post-primary schools should run from 8am to 4:30pm,” while pre-primary schools are expected to operate from 8am to 12pm. She cautioned administrators against extending or reducing learning hours without guidance from the ministry.
She further urged schools to coordinate major activities with neighbouring institutions. “School opening days, visitation schedules and other major annual functions should be organised in consultation with nearby schools to avoid congestion and disorder,” she said. Dr Turyagyenda added that management of such activities must follow established guidelines.
“The safe conduct of entertainment, co-curricular activities and the election of student leaders must strictly adhere to ministry regulations,” she said, calling on schools to sensitise parents and stakeholders about the calendar.
Students will break for First Term holidays from May 2 to May 24, while Second Term holidays will run from August 23 to September 13. Third Term holidays will begin on December 4, 2026, and end on January 31, 2027.
Beyond academics, the calendar provides for co-curricular activities, including inter-school music, dance and drama competitions, science fairs, debates, national student association activities, and SESEMAT in-service training sessions across the country.
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