The Ministry of Education has officially released the 2025 school calendar, outlining key dates for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the country. The schedule provides crucial information for students, particularly those transitioning to new classes, and highlights important reporting dates for learners at various academic levels.

According to the new calendar, Primary Seven candidates who completed the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) will begin Senior One on February 10, 2025. Similarly, Senior Four candidates who finished the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) will progress to Senior Five starting on February 24, 2025.

To facilitate these transitions, placement for PLE candidates will take place on January 27 and 28, while UCE candidates will undergo placement on February 6 and 7.

For all other learners, Term One will commence on February 3, 2025, and run until May 2, 2025. The second term will begin on May 26 and end on August 22, while Term Three will start on September 15 and conclude on December 5. School holidays are also clearly outlined, with the first term break from May 3 to May 25, the second term break from August 23 to September 14, and the third term break from December 6 until February 1, 2026.

Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, urged all schools to strictly adhere to the specified dates. She emphasized the importance of starting teaching and learning on time at the beginning of each term, cautioning against shortening terms without prior written permission from her office.

“Teaching and learning should commence promptly at the beginning of each school term, and school terms should not be cut short without prior written approval from the Permanent Secretary,” Dr. Turyagyenda stated.

The Ministry has also advised schools, particularly those in the Kampala Metropolitan area, to stagger the reporting dates for different classes in the week before the official opening and closing of terms. This measure is intended to alleviate traffic congestion during these critical periods.

In addition, the calendar includes schedules for technical and vocational institutions. Health training institutions, such as nursing and midwifery schools, will start their academic year on January 25 and finish on June 27, 2025. Allied health institutions will begin on February 3 and conclude on June 27. Further details for other technical and vocational institutions can be accessed via the Ministry’s online platforms.

The Ministry’s announcement provides clarity and guidance for students, schools, and parents, ensuring a well-organized and timely academic year for 2025.