Uganda’s Education Ministry Debunks Election-Related School Calendar Rumors

The Ministry of Education and Sports in Uganda has officially dismissed recent rumors about changes to the 2026 school calendar. The false claims, which circulated widely on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, suggested that the government had altered the school reopening dates to accommodate the upcoming General Elections. According to the rumors, schools were purported to reopen on April 4, 2026, but the Ministry has assured the public that this information is entirely incorrect.

On January 6, 2026, the Ministry responded swiftly, with Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace R. Turyagenda issuing a clear statement to dispel the confusion. The official communication emphasized that the Ministry’s approved calendar, as published on November 24, 2025, remains unchanged, and Term I of the 2026 academic year will begin as scheduled on February 2, 2026, and end on May 1, 2026. The Ministry cautioned against relying on any unverified sources, urging the public to disregard the misinformation.

The rumor, which had caused widespread uncertainty among parents, students, and school administrators, claimed that the school schedule had been adjusted to align with the election period. However, the Ministry confirmed that no such change had been made, reaffirming that the school term will start and end exactly as outlined in the original calendar. Dr. Turyagenda stressed that the public should only consult the Ministry’s official channels for any information regarding school schedules.

In response to the growing panic, the Ministry emphasized that all headteachers, school owners, and administrators should adhere strictly to the officially approved dates. Any announcements regarding school openings and closings made through unverified platforms were to be ignored, as they had no basis in the Ministry’s plans. This clear directive aimed to curb any potential disruptions to the educational system caused by these false reports.
To reinforce its message, the Ministry underscored that the only reliable reference for school-related matters is the official school calendar available on its website. Any attempt to alter the school schedule through unofficial means was deemed misleading and harmful, especially at a time when educational stakeholders were already preparing for the academic year ahead.

The Ministry’s swift and decisive clarification served to reassure the public that the education system would proceed as planned. Schools, parents, and students can now focus on preparing for the upcoming term without the added uncertainty caused by these false rumors. The Ministry also reminded everyone to remain vigilant against misinformation, which can often disrupt smooth operations within the education sector.

By taking a strong stance against the spread of false information, the Ministry of Education and Sports has once again demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability. The confirmed dates for Term I of 2026 will allow the nation’s schools to function according to the established schedule, ensuring minimal disruptions to the education system during this important year.

With this official clarification, the Ministry has put any concerns to rest, affirming that the approved academic calendar will remain intact. The message is clear: the school year will proceed as planned, and any rumors suggesting otherwise should be ignored.