The Ministry of Education and Sports has urged parents to ensure that all learners report back to school on the first day (September 14, 2026) of the third term to allow lessons to begin immediately.
Education Minister Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo says lack of school fees should not be used as an excuse to keep children at home.
“Parents who are unable to raise the required fees at the beginning of the term should engage school administrators and agree on payment arrangements instead of delaying their children’s return to school”, he said.
He has also tasked teachers with preparing adequately to receive learners and begin teaching immediately.
Dr Muyingo explains that timely reporting is particularly important because the third term is short, yet learners have a lot of work to cover ahead of their final assessments and examinations.
Late reporting of learners remains a persistent challenge in Uganda’s education sector, with some students returning days or even weeks after the beginning of a new term.
The delays are often attributed to financial difficulties and domestic responsibilities, particularly among families in rural communities.
Muyingo has also urged learners to prepare adequately for their final examinations and avoid engaging in examination malpractice.
He commended parents for taking care of their children during the school holiday and wished learners a successful third term.
