The clarification follows widespread misinformation on various social media platforms claiming...
The government has dismissed rumors regarding a delay in the school calendar, clarifying that the start date for Third Term for pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools remains September 14, as originally scheduled in the official 2026 academic timetable.
The clarification by the Ministry of Education and Sports follows widespread misinformation on various social media platforms claiming that schools would instead reopen in October.
In a statement issued on September 3, 2026, Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Dennis Mugimba refuted the online claims and reassured the public of the fixed schedule.
“The Ministry wishes to reaffirm to the public that the Third Term for Academic Year 2026 shall start on Monday, September 14, 2026, and run for 82 days until Friday, December 4, 2026, for pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools,” Dr. Mugimba said.
Dr. Mugimba noted that these dates align strictly with the official 2026 school calendar circular issued on November 24, 2025, by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, to all educational institutions across the country.
To manage transportation challenges, Dr. Mugimba explained that boarding schools within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area—covering Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Wakiso, Mpigi, and Mukono districts—are required to stagger their reporting and closing dates over two to three days. This measure is intended to mitigate the severe traffic congestion typically associated with the start and end of school terms in the central region.
The Ministry spokesperson also cautioned school administrators against altering the approved schedule without official permission.
He advised that any institution implementing the national curricula that seeks to deviate from the calendar must first secure written authorization directly from the Permanent Secretary. Dr. Mugimba added that the Ministry is relying on state enforcement authorities to ensure strict compliance with the academic calendar nationwide.
