The Ministry of Education and Sports has formally authorized international schools in Uganda to continue with Term Two instruction and proceed with ongoing examinations, despite the nationwide adjustment of the school calendar that pushed the official reopening date to February 10, 2026.
In a circular dated January 21, 2026, addressed to proprietors and principals of international schools, the Ministry acknowledged that international institutions operate under distinct academic calendars that differ from the national system.
These calendars are aligned to international examination bodies such as the Cambridge International Examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the French National Baccalaureate, and the American system of education.
The Ministry noted that, in line with these international academic frameworks, many learners in international schools had already reported for Term Two instruction prior to the Ministry’s official announcement postponing the reopening of schools and other educational institutions to February 10.
The postponement was issued earlier in response to prevailing national circumstances, including election-related considerations.
Taking these factors into account, the Ministry stated that it was necessary to ensure continuity of learning and the orderly administration of academic programmes for affected learners.
As a result, international schools have been granted clearance to continue with Term Two instructional activities and to carry on with ongoing examinations, provided these are conducted in accordance with approved curricula, examination schedules, and applicable regulatory and quality assurance requirements.
The directive provides clarity to international school administrators who had expressed concern over potential disruptions to their academic programmes and examination timelines, particularly for candidate classes preparing for internationally scheduled assessments.
It also reassures parents and learners that the Ministry recognizes the unique operational structures of international schools and is willing to offer flexibility where justified.
However, the Ministry emphasized that authorization does not exempt international schools from complying with the Education Act and other relevant regulations. Proprietors and principals have been reminded to adhere strictly to all guidelines issued by the Ministry from time to time.
The Ministry further stated that it will continue to monitor and supervise the implementation of academic activities in international schools to ensure compliance with national education standards.
The communication was issued on behalf of the Permanent Secretary by Dr. Cleophus Mugenyi and copied to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, as well as the Ministers of State for Education and Sports.
