The Ministry of Education and Sports has postponed the reopening of all schools and education institutions across the country. This decision was made because of the upcoming General Elections and the need to protect learners during this sensitive period. The announcement has affected all schools, including international schools, tertiary institutions, and universities.
According to an official statement issued on January 16, 2026, schools will now reopen on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is a change from the earlier plan which had set February 2 as the reopening date. The ministry explained that the adjustment is important to allow smooth coordination during the election period and to avoid any risks to students and staff.
The ministry noted that election activities often involve heavy movement of people and increased security operations. Because of this, reopening schools at the same time could create safety challenges for learners. By pushing the reopening date forward, the government hopes to create a calm and safe environment for students to return to school without fear or disruption.
It was also confirmed that Term One of the 2026 academic year will now run from February 10 to May 1, 2026. School administrators have been instructed to follow the revised dates strictly, in line with the national school calendar approved by the ministry. This is meant to ensure uniformity and proper planning across all education institutions.
The ministry has called upon vice chancellors, principals, headteachers, parents, guardians, and students to take note of the changes and plan accordingly. Members of the public were also advised to support the decision to avoid unnecessary confusion or disruption of learning.
The statement was signed by Dr. Kedrace R. Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports. She reassured the nation that the government remains committed to protecting learners while ensuring order and stability in the education sector. The ministry emphasized that the safety of students remains a top priority as the country prepares for the General Elections.
