Why holiday proms are the real deal
A dude and his two dates at last year’s Hana International School's "Old Money Masquerade" themed prom. PHOTO/PATRICK SSENTONG
What you need to know:
- Traditionally, prom would happen somewhere near the end of the term; usually in the third term for Senior Fours and Senior Sixes as a send-off.
- However, overtime, the trend has changed to holidays.
Once again, it is the first term holiday and if you thought candidates were only going to focus on revision, think again. It is prom season! For many schools, especially the traditional single-sex ones such as Gayaza High School, SMACK, Jinja College, St Noa Girls, Rubaga Girls, NGO, and SHACK, the sosh magic already went down during the term. Yes, Teens Buzz covered all those, and chances are you have already read some of their stories! But for other schools—mostly mixed national schools—this May holiday is when the real prom season kicks off. From St Joseph’s of Nazareth, Elite High School, and St Balikuddembe SS Kisoga, whose proms took place last week, to SPENA, Seeta High Schools, happening this May, the holiday proms are proving to be the real show and business.
So, why the shift?
Traditionally, prom would happen somewhere near the end of the term; usually in the third term for Senior Fours and Senior Sixes as a send-off. But over time, that format started getting messy. Prom landed in the same period as final exams prep, UNEB pressure, academic deadlines, and some serious “no-nonsense” mode from teachers and parents alike. But times are changing, and so are attitudes toward how much space and freedom such an event should have. “Back in my day, prom was literally two days before mocks. We were walking around with books in one hand and lipstick in the other,” laughs Joanita Nabwire, an in-charge teacher for Prom at Merryland High School Entebbe. “I loved prom, but I did not really enjoy it because my mind was on my UNEB timetable.”
Plus, during term time, students barely have space to breathe, let alone plan for outfits, makeup, or dates. The energy is off. Many times, proms end up rushed, with students showing up in last-minute attire, unpolished glam, and tired faces because they just came from prep.
That is where the glow-up comes in: hosting proms in the holidays means students have more time, less stress, and more space to actually enjoy the moment. Some school administrators cite discipline and academics as the key reason for shifting prom into the holiday. “Prom in the holiday means less interference with the academic calendar. We are able to keep focus on exams, and students also enjoy the party more without school rules hanging over them,” a senior teacher at Seeta High who preferred anonymity noted. Also, there is the parental aspect.
With more parents taking an active role in supervising or sponsoring their children’s prom experiences, holiday timing allows them to get involved without disrupting the school routine. And let us not ignore the unwritten code: some of the holiday proms are happening outside the school compound. Prom venues now include decorated gardens, hotel lawns, lounges and party halls. This is much easier to arrange during holidays when students are allowed off-campus under school guidance.
More time = more slay!
If prom is a red-carpet moment, then holiday proms are the Met Gala of teen life. First of all, holidays mean more time to plan, prep, and slay. Period. With more time on your hands during holidays, you are all going all out with style, planning, and aesthetics. You can tell from the themed invites, professional photographers, DJ setups, and show-stopping fits.
Girls are booking salon appointments weeks in advance for hair, nails, and makeup. Boys are hitting downtown Kampala or online thrift spots to get those clean tuxedo looks, loafers and shades. Amber Birungi, a Senior Four student from Elite High school says “Our prom is in the holiday and it is the best idea ever! I have had time to work on my dress, plan my look, and even practice our class dance. During the term, I would be cramming notes in the dormitory.” Students are also making time for couple photoshoots, TikTok dances, and pre-prom get-togethers that just wouldn’t be possible under term-time curfew.
The result? More creative, expressive, and unforgettable proms that feel less like a school event and more like a celebration of teen identity, fashion, and freedom. Parents too are jumping in with support. Some are hiring rides, photographers, or even chipping in for dresses and suits. With no school to report back to the next day, teens can go big on details—from personalised styling to video highlights to arriving in convoys. Some even plan themed entries such as movie characters, cultural wear, or retro classics. “Having prom in the holidays gave me space to plan my outfit properly. I got my dress stitched from a designer without rushing, had time to do makeup trials, and even went for a photoshoot before the event. It felt like a proper red-carpet moment. No stress, Just vibes,” says Gabriella Nalwanga, who attended her school prom at Elite High School last year.
A business boost for teen hustlers
Where there is prom, there is hustle—and teen entrepreneurs are cashing in big time. From customised invitation cards, to hired dresses and tuxedos, to décor and events planning—students and alumni are using prom season to make money. Many schools now have student-run prom committees who outsource services to their own peers, creating a micro economy of fashion stylists, make-up artists, MCs, DJs, graphic designers and TikTok content creators. “I started my makeup side hustle in Senior Four. This year, I have already booked six girls for the upcoming Seeta High prom,” says Praise Kyomuhendo, a self-taught Make-up artist still in her Senior Six vacation. And then there is thrifting. Online shops run on TikTok and Instagram by teens are flourishing with prom content—think: “This dress will have your crush stuttering” or “Slay like a CEO at your school prom.”
Holiday proms also give student DJs and emcees a rare chance to shine in front of big crowds—often the very schools they once attended. These gigs double as portfolio builders for those heading into media or entertainment careers. Clever hustlers are even designing matching couple fits, curating prom playlists, and offering content creation services. “I will shoot your entire prom night on the phone and edit you a recap reel,” reads one status from Mike, a student content creator. For him, prom season is a gold mine. Even service providers from outside school such as saloons, boutiques, shoe shops, and even boda riders—are seeing the uptick.
Beyond the glam……
While slay and sparkle take the spotlight, prom is also morphing into a deeper experience. For many schools, proms are now infused with school pride and cultural touchpoints. Some include awards such as “Most Disciplined,” “Best Academician,” or “Outstanding personality,” celebrating all-rounded achievement beyond just fashion vibes and dance. By this, teachers believe, students need to see prom as not just a party but a chance to look back on their growth, their friendships, and their time in school. New traditions are also being born. Some schools host speeches from teachers, others now livestream their prom events or share curated reels on school platforms, turning the event into a digital memory vault. Above all, holiday proms are giving students a rare sense of ownership. When you plan your look, contribute to your table décor, vote for your Prom King or Queen, and see your ideas brought to life, it sticks. In the end, whether you are there to flex your tux, kill the dance floor, post a fire IG reel, or simply celebrate your classmates, holiday proms are a vibe.
What teens say
What’s your take on having prom during holidays instead of term time?
Ketra Akankunda, S.6, Elite High School: “I love it! During the holiday, I am relaxed. I can do nails, plan with friends, and just enjoy the vibe without thinking of exams.”
Phillip Namuhaywa, S.6, Jinja College: “Ours was during the term but Sosh is best in holiday. During the term, everything is rushed. Plus, you get more freedom during the holiday to enjoy.”
Leticia Kusasira, S.4, St Lawrence Horizon: “I think prom during holiday helps parents feel safer because they are more involved. They can even come watch the red carpet.”
Marvin Oyirwot, S.6 City High School: “We are turning it into an event of the year. The dress code, the afterparty, the class awards—this is beyond schooltime now. Holidays are the best time.”
