The Ministry of Education and Sports has officially released the academic calendar for 2026, outlining a rigorous schedule for primary, secondary, and technical institutions across the country.
According to the official circular, the new academic year is set to begin on Monday, February 2, 2026, for most learners.
The 2026 roadmap emphasises a full return to academic normalcy, with students expected to complete a total of 260 instructional days throughout the three terms.
Breakdown of the 2026 Academic Terms
The schedule for Primary and Secondary schools, as well as Skills Development Centres, is structured as follows:
Term I: Starts Monday, February 2, 2026, and concludes on Friday, May 1, 2026 (89 Days).
Term II: Commences Monday, May 25, 2026, ending on Friday, August 21, 2026 (89 Days).
• Term III: Begins Monday, September 14, 2026, and closes on Friday, December 4, 2026 (82 Days).
Holiday Breaks and Special Institutions
Students will enjoy a total of 104 holiday days between terms to allow for rest and preparation.
The calendar also provides specific dates for specialised institutions:
Health Training Institutions: The January–June semester for Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health students will also start on February 2, 2026.
Technical/Vocational Institutes: These will follow a similar three-term structure, with Term I running from February 2 to May 1.
Health Tutors’ College – Mulago: Semester 2 for the 2025/2026 academic year begins earlier, on January 19, 2026.
Key Activities for 2026
Beyond the classroom, the Ministry has highlighted several major events for the upcoming year:
National Skills Competitions: Scheduled for February 23 to 27.
Sports Period: A dedicated sports window is set for April 20 to 30.
International Skills Competition: Uganda is expected to participate in the international competition in Changai, China, from September 22 to 27.
The Permanent Secretary’s office has directed all school heads and regional education officers to ensure strict adherence to these dates to maintain consistency across the national education system.
