Uganda's Ministry of Education and Sports has reaffirmed that the third term of the 2026 academic year for pre-primary, primary and secondary schools using the National/Public Curriculum will begin on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The clarification follows what the Ministry described as misinformation circulating on various social media platforms regarding the official start date for the third term.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry said the third term will run for 82 days, ending on Friday, December 4, 2026.

The Ministry said the dates are consistent with the official 2026 School Calendar, which was communicated to all education institutions by the Permanent Secretary on November 24, 2025.

The Ministry has also advised boarding schools in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, including schools in KCCA, Wakiso, Mpigi and Mukono, to stagger their reporting and closing dates for different classes over a period of two to three days.

According to the Ministry, the arrangement is intended to help reduce heightened road traffic congestion associated with the beginning and end of school terms, when large numbers of students and parents travel at the same time.

The Ministry further warned schools using the National/Public Curriculum against changing the official school calendar without authorization.

Any school seeking to deviate from the official calendar must obtain written authorization from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports.

The Ministry said it is counting on relevant state authorities to support enforcement of the official school calendar and ensure that schools comply with the approved dates.

The statement was issued by Dr. Dennis K. Mugimba, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education and Sports, as the Ministry moved to put an end to speculation over when schools would reopen for the final term of the 2026 academic year.

Schools, parents and learners using the National/Public Curriculum are therefore expected to prepare for the commencement of third term on Monday, September 14, 2026.