Minister Directs UNEB to Uphold Privacy in UCE 2024 Results Release
Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, has instructed the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and other assessment bodies to strictly adhere to the Data Protection and Privacy Act when releasing examination results.
Speaking at the release of the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results, the Minister emphasized the importance of protecting students' personal data.
"The Personal Data Protection Office has drawn UNEB's attention to the provisions of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, which prohibit the public disclosure of personal data of children," Mrs Museveni explained.
"Publicly displaying names, photographs, and individual grades exposes learners to harassment, stigma, and emotional distress."
In response, she tasked UNEB, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, with collaborating closely with the Data Protection and Privacy Office to ensure that examination results are managed in full compliance with the law.
"I now direct UNEB and all other examination and assessment agencies under the ministry to liaise with the Data Protection and Privacy Office for further guidance on full compliance," she stated.
"The Permanent Secretary shall formally communicate to all education institutions through a circular on how to maintain students' privacy while sharing examination outcomes."
This directive signals a departure from traditional methods of publishing results, urging schools to explore alternative approaches that preserve student confidentiality.
