UNEB enhances examination security amid UCE malpractice cases, prepares for PLE
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has tightened security for the ongoing Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, while making final preparations for the upcoming Primary Leaving Examination (PLE).
The measures come as UCE enters its third week, with reports of examination malpractice prompting increased vigilance.
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In a press briefing held on Monday, Jennifer Kalule, UNEB’s Principal Public Relations Officer, confirmed the successful delivery of examination materials for the third week.
“Our distributors managed to reach all stations countrywide, ensuring a smooth start to this week’s exams,” said Kalule, expressing gratitude to security agencies for their cooperation.
Monday’s examinations began with Biology Practical for new curriculum candidates, while transitional candidates tackled Christian and Islamic Religious Education.
The afternoon session featured Literature in Swahili and Commerce. High-stakes papers are set for later this week, including the English language exam for both new and transitional candidates on Tuesday.
Other key subjects like History and Political Education are also on the schedule.
Exam Malpractices Under Scrutiny
UNEB's efforts to curb exam malpractice have been met with several incidents.
In Lukaya, Masaka District, a head teacher delivered a damaged envelope containing Christian Religious Education papers, triggering a police investigation.
In Tororo, a teacher, Juuko Denis of St. Mary’s Junior School, appeared in court after being accused of unauthorized possession of exam materials. His co-accused, Ejagu Moses, received a three-year sentence after pleading guilty.
In a separate case in Mityana District, three teachers Onyoto Thomas of Hillside Kalonga S.S., Sekiranda David, and Kambugu Livingstone of Bujjubi S.S. were remanded to Namukozi prison after allegedly being found with a Chemistry exam paper in the laboratory.
Their bail request was denied due to insufficient sureties, and complications arose when sureties for one of the accused were arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe the presiding magistrate.
In Kampala, authorities in Wandegeya are probing an incident involving three UCE candidates two Somali nationals and one Ugandan who allegedly smuggled mobile phones into the examination hall during a Chemistry Practical. Investigations continue as the candidates complete their exams.
UNEB is gearing up for the PLE, scheduled for November 6-7. Candidate briefings will take place on November 4, with UNEB urging head teachers, parents, and teachers to be vigilant in guiding the candidates.
Faith leaders are also encouraged to dedicate prayers for P7 candidates from November 1-3.
Strict health protocols are in place to mitigate the spread of Mpox, with UNEB directing all examination centers to provide sanitizers and maintain cleanliness in public areas. These measures are part of UNEB’s broader commitment to secure and fair assessments.
Kalule also highlighted the October 30 deadline for submitting Continuous Assessment Scores and project work for S.4 candidates.
Nearly 80% of schools have complied, and UNEB has established a rapid response team to assist the remaining schools in meeting the deadline.
