More girls than boys registered for the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) 2025, continuing a trend that has been observed in recent years, according to results released by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
The results were released on Friday at State House Nakasero, in the presence of the Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
An analysis of candidature by gender shows that 389,469 boys, representing 47.6%, were registered in 2025, compared to 428,324 girls, or 52.4%. The figures indicate that more girls than boys completed the primary education cycle.
UNEB data also shows that total candidature increased by 20,439 candidates, a 2.6% rise compared to the previous year.
The proportion of girls remains higher than that of boys, although the gap slightly narrowed from 2024, when girls accounted for 52.5% of the total candidature, while boys made up 47.5%.
Special needs candidates increase
The Board registered 3,636 learners with special needs in 2025, up from 3,328 in 2024, representing an increase of 308 candidates, or 9.3 %.
These candidates included learners who are blind, deaf, physically handicapped and those with dyslexia.
UNEB attributed the steady increase in special needs candidature to growing awareness and improved support systems created in schools by the Board and the Ministry of Education and Sports.
UNEB also registered candidates from correctional facilities. A total of 61 candidates were registered from Uganda Government Upper Prison, Luzira, including 54 males and seven females. In addition, 40 candidates were registered from Mbarara Main Prison.
The Board further registered 40 candidates from Uganda Government Upper Prison, including 39 males and one female.
In this special group, female candidates constituted 48.3 per cent, while 51.7 per cent were males.
UNEB said the inclusion of candidates from prisons and special needs categories reflects ongoing efforts to ensure access to education for all learners.