By Spy Uganda
The Ministry of Education and Sports has partially walked back its earlier directive on the national school calendar, authorising international schools to continue with Term Two instruction and ongoing examinations, even as local schools remain bound by the previously communicated reopening schedule.
In a circular dated 21st January 2026, the Ministry acknowledged that international schools operate under distinct academic frameworks, noting that they are “aligned to the requirements of the respective examination systems undertaken by learners, namely the Cambridge International Examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the French National Baccalaureate, and the American System of Education.”
The Ministry further justified the reversal by revealing that learners in international schools “had already reported for Term Two instruction prior to the Ministry’s official announcement on the reopening of schools and other educational institutions on 10th February 2026,” making any interruption both impractical and disruptive.
“In light of the foregoing and considering the need to ensure continuity of learning and orderly administration of academic programmes,” the circular states, “the Ministry hereby authorises international schools to continue with Term Two instructional activities and proceed with ongoing examinations, in accordance with their approved curricula, examination schedules, and applicable regulatory and quality assurance requirements.”
The directive directly affects leading international institutions such as Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), International School of Uganda (ISU), Aga Khan High School Kampala, Gems Cambridge International School, Rainbow International School, Ambrosoli International School, among other Cambridge and IB-accredited schools operating in the country. 
It also applies to privately owned international schools, including Hamis International School, established by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, which runs an international academic programme outside the national curriculum calendar.
However, the Ministry was categorical that the concession does not extend to local schools. The circular maintains that all proprietors and principals must “ensure full compliance with the Education Act, relevant regulations, and any guidelines issued by the Ministry from time to time,” adding that government will “continue to monitor and supervise the implementation of academic activities to ensure adherence to national education standards.”
As a result, schools following the Ugandan national curriculum will reopen strictly in line with the earlier official communication, underscoring a clear regulatory distinction between international and local education systems.
