In a remarkable demonstration of resilience and determination, 68 inmates from Luzira Upper Prison successfully sat the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, with the majority qualifying for certificates and several achieving Principal passes.
The results, released by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) on 13th March 2026, show that education can serve as a transformative tool even within the confines of prison.
Of the 70 inmates registered for the exams, 68 took the papers, including 64 males and four females. Thirty-one of these candidates secured three Principal passes, 15 obtained two Principal passes, and 16 achieved one Principal pass.
Overall, 66 candidates qualified for the UACE certificate, while only two male inmates did not meet the requirements.
The successful candidates join thousands of other students nationwide in qualifying for further studies, proving that learning opportunities can exist under challenging circumstances.
The Luzira candidates were supported through a structured prison education programme, which provided access to study materials, teaching staff, and examination preparations.
Their achievements are a testament to both their hard work and the efforts of educators who facilitated learning behind bars.
UNEB noted that the performance of these inmates was comparable to that of candidates in regular schools, highlighting the effectiveness of structured education programs in correctional facilities.
Education officers in the prison emphasized that the programme aims not only to equip inmates with academic knowledge but also to provide skills and qualifications that can aid reintegration into society after serving their sentences.
Experts say that initiatives like this can help reduce recidivism by providing inmates with opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and higher education.
“These results show that with the right support, inmates can achieve academically at the same level as their peers outside prison,” said one education officer involved in the programme.
The achievement also underscores the importance of extending educational opportunities to all members of society, including those in correctional institutions.
As the country celebrates the release of UACE 2025 results, the Luzira candidates’ story stands out as a powerful example of perseverance and the life-changing potential of education, offering hope to others in similar circumstances.