Mathew Bukenya: The man who stood firm against academic nonsense and examination malpractice

In the annals of Uganda's education history, one name stands out for his unwavering commitment to integrity and excellence: Mathew Bukenya , a man who passed on during the early morning hours of Monday 22nd July, 2024 will remain in both academic and social memories of the world. As the former Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), Bukenya's tenure was marked by a relentless crusade against academic nonsense and examination malpractice.

Early Life and Career

Mathew Bukenya's journey began in a modest setting, where the values of hard work, honesty, and discipline were instilled in him from a young age.

These values would later define his career. Bukenya's academic prowess earned him a place at Makerere University, where he pursued a degree in education.

This solid foundation set the stage for a distinguished career in Uganda's education sector.

Leadership at UNEB

Mr. Bukenya worked with UNEB since its inception and transition from the East African Examinations Council (EAEC). He first served as the Chief Finance and Administrative Officer of UNEB (1981-1988). From 1989-1991, he was appointed to act as Senior Deputy Secretary. He later retired from Public Service and worked as an Educational Consultant from September 1" 1995-January 16th, 1996.

Bukenya joined UNEB at a time when the credibility of the country's examination system was under intense scrutiny. Allegations of cheating and malpractice were rampant, threatening to erode public trust in the education system. As Executive Secretary, Bukenya faced an uphill battle, but he was undeterred.

Fighting Examination Malpractice

"On January 17th, 1996, Mr. Bukenya was recalled from retirement to take over the post of Executive Secretary and Accounting Officer of UNEB, a post he held for nearly 21 years, from 17th January 1996-31st March, 2016," UNEB Disclosed.

Bukenya's approach to combating examination malpractice was both strategic and uncompromising. He implemented stringent measures to curb cheating, including the introduction of barcodes on examination papers to track their distribution and the use of metal detectors to prevent students from smuggling unauthorized materials into exam rooms. These measures were complemented by rigorous monitoring and the establishment of strict penalties for offenders.

Bukenya never spared officials with forged academic document.

One of Bukenya's notable initiatives was the deployment of surveillance teams during national examinations. These teams, comprised of dedicated education officials, conducted surprise inspections to ensure compliance with examination regulations.

Bukenya's zero-tolerance policy sent a clear message: malpractice would not be tolerated under his watch.

Promoting Academic Integrity

Previously, Mr. Bukenya worked with the East African Examinations Council (EAEC), as the Chief Accountant and Head of the Finance Department (1977-1981). From 1973-1977, he was the Senior Accountant of the EAEC, while from 1968-1973, he was the Accountant of the same Council, based at the Kampala Head Quarters offices. Before joining the education sector, Mr. Bukenya worked as an Auditor at the Office of the Auditor General in 1968.

Beyond fighting malpractice, Bukenya was passionate about promoting academic integrity. He believed that a fair and credible examination system was essential for nurturing a culture of meritocracy and excellence.

Under his leadership, UNEB emphasized the importance of honesty and hard work, encouraging students to earn their grades through genuine effort.Bukenya also advocated for the professional development of teachers and examiners, recognizing that their integrity and competence were crucial in maintaining the credibility of the examination system. He spearheaded training programs aimed at enhancing their skills and ethical standards.

Legacy

Mathew Bukenya's tenure at UNEB left an indelible mark on Uganda's education landscape. His unwavering commitment to integrity transformed the national examination system, restoring public confidence and setting a high standard for future administrators.

Today, Bukenya is remembered as a man who never entertained academic nonsense and who stood firm against examination malpractice.His legacy lives on in the principles he championed: honesty, hard work, and excellence.

For many, Mathew Bukenya is not just a former UNEB Executive Secretary; he is a symbol of integrity in education, a beacon of hope for a system that values merit over mediocrity.In a world where the pursuit of shortcuts can undermine true achievement, Bukenya's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards and unwavering ethics.

As Uganda continues to navigate the challenges of education reform, the lessons from Bukenya's leadership remain as relevant as ever, guiding the path towards a future where academic integrity is upheld above all else. If you never passed in Bukenya's hand you are not familiar with what examination fever means, but success was a must not miss opportunity.

Mr. Bukenya is fondly remembered for his exemplary leadership, and as a God fearing leader who inculcated the culture of prayer in the Board. He was passionate about his work as well as promoting the positive image of UNEB.