Kampala, 12 February 2026 – The Ministry of Education and Sports has officially launched the 2026 Senior One (S1) Selection and Placement Exercise, with the Hon. Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, presiding over the ceremony held at the UMA Show Grounds in Kampala.
Dr. Muyingo conveyed warm greetings from the Minister of Education and Sports, H.E. Janet Kataaha Museveni, who also serves as the First Lady of the Republic of Uganda. He also extended commendations from his fellow Ministers of State for Primary Education and Sports.
According to results released by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), 722,730 out of 786,981 candidates who sat the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) passed, representing approximately 92 percent eligibility for progression to secondary schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Dr. Muyingo emphasized that the majority of these learners are beneficiaries of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme, introduced nearly three decades ago to expand access to education, particularly for children from economically disadvantaged households. He noted that the placement exercise is a critical national responsibility that will shape the academic journeys and future opportunities of thousands of young Ugandans.
The Minister underscored three guiding principles for the 2026 placement process: fairness, transparency and equity. He stressed that learners must be placed strictly on merit and in accordance with established guidelines, without discrimination based on religion, gender, region, background or economic status. He further emphasized that the integrity of the exercise must be upheld to maintain public confidence, and called for special attention to vulnerable learners, including girls, learners with disabilities and those from disadvantaged communities.
Government continues to expand post-primary opportunities to absorb the growing number of learners transitioning from Primary Seven. Since 2019, 204 Seed Secondary Schools have been constructed and operationalized, with 55 more at various stages of completion. In addition, over 200 community schools have been grant-aided to receive staff wages and Universal Secondary Education (USE) capitation grants.
Following the enactment of the TVET Act in 2025, Government has established 42 Community Polytechnics across the country, alongside approximately 100 privately owned community polytechnics, providing alternative pathways for skills development and employment. Parents and learners were encouraged to embrace vocational education as a viable progression route.
The Ministry also raised concern over reports of unauthorized compulsory charges in some USE schools, contrary to Section 9 of the Education (Pre-Primary, Primary and Post-Primary) Act, 2008. Dr. Muyingo cautioned headteachers against imposing unapproved fees that frustrate parents and undermine Government policy. He further warned against the illegal establishment of boarding facilities in USE schools, reiterating that USE institutions are designated as day schools intended to serve learners within their respective sub-counties. Government pledged firm action against any violations of education policies and regulations.
Dr. Muyingo reminded school leaders of their duty to ensure that institutions remain safe spaces free from violence, abuse, discrimination and exploitation, emphasizing that headteachers are not only administrators but also moral leaders whose example shapes school culture.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to conduct the placement exercise with diligence, integrity and a strong sense of national responsibility before officially declaring the 2026 S1 Placement Exercise open.
