The Ministry of Education and Sports has cleared international schools in Uganda to continue teaching and administering exams for Term Two, despite the recent revision of the national school calendar that delayed reopening to February 10, 2026.
In a circular issued on January 21, 2026, the Ministry explained that international schools follow academic calendars that are different from the national system. These institutions are guided by international examination bodies such as Cambridge International, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the French Baccalaureate and the American education system.
According to the Ministry, many international schools had already resumed Term Two classes before the government announced the postponement of school reopening, which was largely influenced by national considerations, including the election period.
To avoid disrupting learning and examination schedules, especially for candidate classes preparing for internationally set assessments, the Ministry said it was important to allow these schools to continue with their programmes.
Under the directive, international schools are permitted to proceed with Term Two lessons and ongoing examinations, as long as they follow approved curricula, examination timetables and all required quality assurance standards.
The decision provides relief to school administrators who had raised concerns about possible interruptions to academic activities and reassures parents and learners that the Ministry recognises the unique structure of international education systems.
However, the Ministry stressed that the approval does not exempt international schools from complying with the Education Act and other existing regulations. School proprietors and principals have been reminded to observe all guidelines issued by the Ministry.
The Ministry also said it will continue supervising international schools to ensure they meet national education standards.
The directive 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.
