Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports has delayed the start of the 2026 academic year by eight days, pushing the reopening of all schools and higher education institutions to Tuesday, 10 February.
The decision comes one day after the country’s tightly contested general elections on 15 January, in which veteran President Yoweri Museveni — in power since 1986 — secured a strong lead amid reports of technical glitches, an internet blackout and scattered violence.
Election-related safety concerns cited
In a circular signed by Permanent Secretary Dr Kadrace R Turyagyenda, the ministry revised its earlier 6 January directive that had set 2 February as the official start of the first term. The postponement applies nationwide to government and private primary and secondary schools, international institutions, tertiary colleges and universities.
“The Ministry hereby informs you that due to the General Elections and to ensure the safety of all learners, all schools and education institutions across the country are directed to re-open on Tuesday, 10th, 2026,” the statement read.
Authorities cited the need for a safe and smooth electoral process while minimising disruptions to learning and protecting millions of students. The move follows a tense voting day marked by widespread delays at polling stations — some opening hours late due to malfunctioning biometric verification machines — forcing a shift to manual checks. An internet shutdown imposed days earlier was justified by officials as a measure against misinformation and fraud, but drew criticism from opposition figures and international observers for potentially hindering transparency.
Museveni claims victory amid opposition protests
President Museveni, 81, who cast his ballot amid similar technical issues in his western stronghold, expressed confidence in a landslide victory while questioning possible “manipulations.” His main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), alleged irregularities including ballot stuffing and called for resistance, though no major protests had erupted by Friday.
The elections, which also included parliamentary and local polls extending into early February for special interest groups, unfolded against a backdrop of heightened security, opposition arrests and concerns over democratic freedoms in the East African nation.
### Revised calendar and compliance urged
Education stakeholders were urged to comply strictly with the revised calendar, available on the ministry’s website, and to note official school hours: 8.00am to 4.30pm for primary and secondary levels, and 8.00am to noon for pre-primary. In urban areas like Kampala, boarding schools were previously advised to stagger reporting dates to ease traffic.
Parents, guardians and the public have been asked to stay alert for further updates via official channels. The adjustment reflects a cautious approach in a politically charged environment, where the government has prioritised stability amid a high-stakes vote that could extend Museveni’s rule into a seventh term.
No immediate reactions from teachers’ unions, parent groups or opposition parties were reported, though the delay is likely to affect families planning around the academic year.
