The Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) began smoothly in Luweero District this morning, with primary seven pupils assembling at their respective exam centers.
By 7am, gates were open across most schools, readying the young candidates for their first paper, Mathematics.
At Luweero Boys Primary School, exams commenced promptly at 9:07am. The centre, which hosts candidates from Luwero Boys Primary School, Little Angels, and Kasana Junior School, accommodated a total of 177 pupils.
Button Bumba, headteacher of Luwero Boys, expressed satisfaction with the day's start, though he noted that two of his registered pupils were absent due to "unknown circumstances."
“Luwero Boys registered 106 pupils for this year’s PLE, but unfortunately, two students couldn’t make it,” Bumba explained.
“We’ve tried to reach out to their families, but so far, we haven’t received any positive response. I suspect they may be facing some domestic challenges.”
Bumba highlighted that the center accommodates pupils with disabilities, with five such students registered, including two with sickle cell disease and one with intellectual disabilities. Unfortunately, the pupil with intellectual disabilities did not attend.
Aidah Nsobya, class teacher for students with disabilities at Luwero Boys, elaborated on the situation, saying, “I spoke to the mother of the child with intellectual disabilities, and she informed me that she decided to transfer her to a technical training program instead. The mother felt that technical skills would be more suitable than regular academic studies.”
Despite these absences, Bumba commended the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) for providing trained professionals to assist students with disabilities.
“I am confident that with UNEB’s support, all our candidates are well-prepared to succeed. We are hopeful that all 177 pupils will achieve good results,” he stated.
Other schools in the district also reported smooth proceedings. Annet Babirye, headteacher of Kasaala Primary School in Butuntumula Sub County, registered 28 candidates for this year’s exams and shared her optimism.
“The weather is favorable, and everything is calm so far. We’re looking forward to smooth exams and good results,” Babirye commented.
Similarly, Basiiga Mortoni, headteacher of Tweyanze Church of Uganda Primary School in Wobulenzi Town Council, reported no issues, with all 34 candidates present.
“We have 34 students taking the exams this year, and I am hopeful for a successful outcome,” Mortoni remarked.
As the examinations progress, teachers and administrators across Luwero District remain hopeful that the over sixteen thousand (16,000) P.7 pupils registered will excel and are committed to providing a supportive environment for their success.
