By Diana. N. Kintu
The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued an official clarification to counter widespread misinformation circulating on social media regarding the reopening of schools for the 2026 academic year. In a statement dated 6 January 2026, the Ministry dismissed claims suggesting that schools would reopen on 4 April 2026 due to the forthcoming general elections, describing the information as false and misleading.
The clarification, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Kedrace R. Turyagyenda, was released in response to growing public confusion sparked by unverified social media posts that had been widely shared across various digital platforms. According to the Ministry, the claims have no factual basis and do not reflect any decision taken by government regarding the school calendar.
“The allegation that schools will reopen on 4 April 2026 is entirely unfounded and should be disregarded,” the statement read. The Ministry stressed that there has been no amendment to the official school calendar that was issued on 24 November 2025, and that all previously communicated dates remain unchanged.
Under the approved calendar, Term I of the 2026 academic year will commence on Monday, 2 February 2026, and end on Friday, 1 May 2026. This schedule applies uniformly to all public and private schools, as well as other educational institutions across the country.
The Ministry urged headteachers, school proprietors, parents, guardians and learners to adhere strictly to the official dates and to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information from unofficial sources. It emphasised that reliance on unverified announcements risks disrupting school operations and undermining planning efforts by both families and education institutions.
In its statement, the Ministry reiterated that the school calendar published on its official website remains the sole authoritative reference for school opening and closing dates. Members of the public were encouraged to consult the Ministry’s website for accurate and up-to-date information, rather than relying on social media platforms where misinformation can spread rapidly.
The clarification comes amid increasing concern over the role of social media in amplifying false or misleading information, particularly on matters of national importance such as education and elections. Education officials noted that inaccurate reports can create unnecessary anxiety among parents and learners, while also placing undue pressure on schools attempting to prepare for the academic term.
Observers note that the timing of the misinformation, coming in the run-up to the 2026 general elections, highlights the broader challenge of managing false narratives during politically sensitive periods. The Ministry’s swift response has been welcomed by education stakeholders as a necessary step to maintain order and consistency within the sector.
Dr Turyagyenda emphasised that any changes to the academic calendar, should they arise, would only be communicated through official Ministry channels and in a timely manner. She called on the public to support government efforts by verifying information before sharing it and by reporting misleading content to the relevant authorities.
As preparations for the new academic year gather pace, the Ministry’s message is unequivocal: schools will reopen as planned on 2 February 2026. Any information suggesting otherwise should be treated as false. Education stakeholders have been urged to remain vigilant and to prioritise credible sources in order to safeguard the academic continuity and wellbeing of Uganda’s learners.