International schools exempted from February 10 reopening directive
Nationwide school reopening had earlier been postponed from February 2 to February 10, 2026, following the general elections.
Ministry of Educations and Sports permanent secretary, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda. (Fiel)
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The Ministry of Education and Sports has allowed international schools in Uganda to continue with academic activities, noting that they operate under different academic calendars.
Nationwide school reopening had earlier been postponed from February 2 to February 10, 2026, following the general elections.
In a letter dated January 21, 2026, addressed to proprietors and principals of international schools, the ministry clarified the decision. The letter was signed by Dr Cleophus Mugenyi on behalf of the permanent secretary, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda.
“The ministry is cognisant of the fact that international schools operate under different academic calendars, aligned to examination systems such as Cambridge International Examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the French National Baccalaureate, and the American system of education,” the letter reads.
As a result, several learners in international schools had already resumed term two instruction before the ministry officially announced the revised reopening date.
“To ensure continuity of learning and orderly administration of academic programmes, international schools are now authorised to continue term two activities and examinations in line with their approved curricula and schedules,” the letter adds.
Proprietors and principals were reminded to fully comply with the Education Act, relevant regulations, and any additional guidelines issued by the ministry.
The ministry noted that it will continue to monitor and supervise academic activities to ensure adherence to national standards.
Earlier, on January 6, 2026, the ministry had announced that all schools and educational institutions would reopen on February 2. However, in a subsequent directive, Dr Turyagyenda revised the reopening date to February 10, 2026, citing the need to safeguard learners during the general elections.
This directive applies to all schools, tertiary institutions and universities.
“Term One of the Academic Year 2026 will run from Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to May 1, 2026. All school administrators are required to adhere strictly to these dates and the approved school calendar,” the permanent secretary stated.