Over 166,000 Candidates Sit 2025 UACE Exams Amid Tight Security

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), together with the Uganda Police Force, has assured the public of the integrity and security of the ongoing 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, which officially started today under the theme “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment.”

According to UNEB’s Principal Public Relations Officer, Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, the Board successfully delive,red and distributed all examination materials to storage stations across the country “in good time and without any major challenges.” She said a total of 1650 scouts and security personnel have been deployed to oversee the conduct of the exams.

This year, 166,402 candidates registered for the UACE examinations compared to 141,996 last year, representing a 14.6% increase. The exams are taking place in 2,844 centres nationwide, including the Uganda Government Upper Prison School, Luzira, comprising 27 male and one female candidate.

A total of 521 candidates with special needs have also been catered for, with UNEB providing the necessary support according to their requirements. All special needs candidates are being given an extra 45 minutes to complete their papers.

According to Kalule, the first day of the examinations saw candidates writing Theory of Government and Constitutional Development and History of Africa for Arts students, while Science students tackled Physics Paper 1 in the morning session. In the afternoon, candidates are writing Literature in English (Prose & Poetry), Swahili, and Physics Paper 2. The UACE examinations will run until December 5, 2025.

Kalule issued a strong caution to the public and examination officials against engaging in any form of malpractice. She warned that offenders will be prosecuted under the UNEB Act, CAP 259, which prescribes penalties ranging from five to ten years in prison, fines between UGX 20–40 million, or both.

“To our scouts, if malpractice happens under your watch, you will be dealt with under Section 26(1)(g), which provides for a maximum term of five years imprisonment upon conviction,” she warned.

The UNEB spokesperson further advised media practitioners not to cover examination distribution or take footage inside exam rooms once the papers are in progress.

Members of the public with credible information on malpractice were urged to call UNEB’s toll-free numbers 0800-111-427 and 0800-211-077, assuring that whistleblowers will be protected under the Board’s policy.

Kalule reported that both the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) and the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams were concluded successfully last week, with minimal disruptions.

The PLE was conducted from 3rd to 4th November, while UCE ran from October 10th to November 7th, 2025. “We congratulate all candidates upon completing their examinations,” she said.

At the UCE level, 16 pregnancy cases were reported, three girls were pregnant, and one delivered during the examination period, but all were supported to complete their papers.

UNEB also commended local authorities in Lira and Katakwi districts for ensuring examinations continued despite heavy flooding that affected several schools. In one incident, community members at Nyangariam Primary School drained water and reinforced classrooms with hardcore stones so that learners could sit their papers.

A total of 55 suspects were arrested by police in connection with malpractice during the PLE, including cases of tampering with envelopes, bribery attempts, and external assistance. Some suspects have already been arraigned in court.

In Kabale District, a head teacher, Mr Kisheija Drake of Rwababa Primary School, was arrested and charged for wrongfully denying a registered candidate access to sit for Mathematics over unpaid “coaching fees.” He was later released on bail, and the case will return for mention on December 16, 2025.

She thanked the Uganda Police Force and Judicial officials for their continued vigilance and support in safeguarding the credibility of national examinations.