The long-awaited Senior One selection exercise has officially commenced, setting thousands of young learners on the path toward the next phase of their education. Early this morning, activity picked up at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo, where families, school officials, and education authorities converged for a process that carries great significance for candidates who recently completed their Primary Leaving Examinations.
Organized by the Ministry of Education and Sports, the exercise brings together representatives from secondary schools across the country to participate in a centralized placement process. Parents and guardians arrived in large numbers, eager to follow proceedings closely and ensure their children secure suitable schools as they prepare to transition from primary to secondary education.
Scheduled to run for two days, from February 12 to February 14, 2026, the selection process focuses on matching learners to schools based on their PLE performance, the choices they indicated, and the availability of spaces in various institutions. Each decision made during this period is expected to influence not only academic progress but also the personal development of the learners involved.
The scene at Lugogo is characterized by steady movement, consultations, and careful verification of details. School representatives are on hand to clarify requirements, explain placement outcomes, and guide families through the process, helping to ease anxiety and build confidence among parents and candidates alike.
Education officials have assured the public that the exercise is being conducted with a strong emphasis on transparency and fairness. Clear procedures have been put in place to ensure that every learner is considered objectively, minimizing confusion and reducing the risk of misinformation that often surrounds such national exercises.
Parents have been urged to remain patient and cooperative as the process unfolds, while learners are encouraged to stay calm and optimistic. For many families, this moment represents more than just school placement—it is a defining milestone that signals growth, responsibility, and new academic expectations.
Once the selection exercise concludes, learners who secure placement will be expected to report to their respective secondary schools on March 3, 2026. This reporting date will officially usher them into Senior One, opening doors to new subjects, environments, and friendships.
As the exercise continues, stakeholders across the education sector remain hopeful that the outcome will align learners with schools that best nurture their abilities and ambitions. Beyond individual success stories, the Senior One selection stands as a vital process that strengthens planning, equity, and confidence in Uganda’s education system.
