While the official reopening for most schools has been pushed to February 10, 2026, the Ministry of Education has officially authorized international schools to precede with their Term two activities and examinations today to avoid disrupting their specific global calendars.
The start of an academic year in Uganda is traditionally a time of bustling markets, heavy traffic, and the nationwide chorus of “Back to School.” However, 2026 has proven to be anything but traditional. Today, January 27, 2026, marks a curious split in the country’s educational landscape: while the vast majority of the nation’s 15 million learners remain at home, a select group of students in international schools are heading back to their classrooms and examination halls.
This “phased” and somewhat fragmented reopening is the result of a delicate balancing act by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), which is attempting to navigate post-election safety concerns without crippling the country’s diverse educational curricula.
Safety above All
On January 16, 2026, the Ministry of Education sent shockwaves through the local education sector by announcing a delay to the official start of Term One. Originally scheduled for February 2, the date was pushed back to Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The reason for this delay is rooted in the current political climate. Following the January 15 General Elections, the government cited the need to “safeguard learners, staff, and the broader public” during the sensitive post-election period. Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagenda emphasized that the safety of children traveling across the country—often in overcrowded public transport—was a priority that outweighed a few extra days of holiday.
For the millions of students in the national UPE (Universal Primary Education) and USE (Universal Secondary Education) systems, this means a shortened first term. To compensate for the lost eight days, the Ministry has adjusted the term to end on May 1, 2026, urging head teachers to optimize their teaching schedules to cover the shortened 11-week syllabus.
Protecting Global Standards
While the national system remains on pause, today (January 27) marks a significant milestone for international schools. In a circular issued on January 21, the Ministry officially authorized institutions following foreign curricula—such as Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the French National Baccalaureate—to proceed with their Term Two activities.
This exemption was not a matter of favoritism, but of logistical necessity. International schools in Uganda operate on a global academic cycle that typically runs from August/September to June. For many of these students, Term Two is already well underway, and this week is critical for mock examinations and final project submissions.
“The Ministry is cognizant of the fact that international schools operate under different academic calendars aligned to global examination systems,” the directive stated. “To ensure continuity of learning and the orderly administration of academic programs, these schools are authorized to continue.”
Schools like Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), GEMS Cambridge, and the International School of Uganda (ISU) have welcomed the move, noting that a forced two-week closure would have put their students at a severe disadvantage compared to their peers in Nairobi, London, or Dubai.
The Impact on Tertiary Institutions and Universities
The delay has also rippled through the higher education sector. Universities and tertiary institutions, many of which were scheduled to begin their second semesters this week, have also been directed to wait until February 10.
This has caused significant frustration among the “Vice-Chancellor’s Forum.” Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, the forum’s Executive Director, noted that many private universities had already called back students and stocked their kitchens. The sudden closure order has led to financial losses and logistical headaches for students who had already traveled from neighboring countries like South Sudan and Kenya.
To mitigate this, some universities have pivoted back to blended learning, utilizing the digital infrastructure built during the pandemic to provide online lectures until physical campuses can officially reopen.
The Economic Ripple Effect
The shifting dates have created a “wait-and-see” economy in Kampala’s business hubs. Traditionally, the last week of January is the peak season for Kikuubo Lane, where parents flock for scholastic materials. This year, the crowds are thinner, and traders report a slump in sales as parents hold onto their cash, wary of further changes.
| Item | Average Price (2025) | Current Price (Jan 2026) | Trend |
| Dozens of Exercise Books | Shs 12,000 | Shs 13,500 | 📈 Rising |
| School Uniform (Primary) | Shs 45,000 | Shs 48,000 | 📈 Rising |
| Sugar (per kg) | Shs 4,000 | Shs 5,200 | 📈 Rising |
Banks have also reacted to the shift. Dfcu Bank and Stanbic Bank recently launched “Back to School” financing campaigns, offering bridge loans to parents struggling with the increased cost of living and the condensed period they now have to gather school fees before the new February 10 deadline.
The Road to February 10
As the countdown to the national reopening begins, the Ministry of Education has issued strict guidelines for the “Big Return”:
- Staggered Reporting: Boarding schools in the Kampala Metropolitan Area are encouraged to stagger reporting dates (e.g., S.1 and S.5 reporting a week later) to prevent the massive traffic gridlocks that usually paralyze the city.
- No Fee Hikes: The Ministry has issued a stern warning to school administrators against using the “shortened term” as an excuse to hike school fees or requirements.
- Digital Readiness: Schools are encouraged to keep students engaged with reading materials via WhatsApp or school portals during this extended break.
For the international students currently in their classrooms, the focus is on the “ping-pong” of examinations. For the rest of the country, the next two weeks will be a period of preparation, patience, and hope for a peaceful start to the 2026 academic journey.
