Over 432,000 Candidates Begin 2025 UCE Exams; UNEB Warns Against Malpractice

The 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations officially commenced today with the briefing of candidates across 4,308 examination centres nationwide. The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) confirmed that the briefings, conducted by head teachers, marked the formal start of this year’s examination season under the theme “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment.”

According to UNEB Executive Director Daniel Odongo, a total of 432,159 candidates are expected to sit for the exams, reflecting a 12.1% increase from last year’s 379,748 candidates. Of these, 52.7% are female, while 47.3% are male.

Government sponsorship under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme covers 154,637 candidates (36%), up from 138,502 last year, while 241,246 candidates are privately sponsored. UNEB has also registered 679 candidates with Special Needs Education (SNE) requirements, who will be supported by 190 specialized personnel throughout the examination process.

The Board acknowledged ongoing concerns among teachers leading to threats of industrial action but appealed to them not to link the strike to examination supervision.

“Teachers are key stakeholders in the conduct of national examinations. We request their indulgence to support this process for a few days so that we can effectively assess the learners they have nurtured over the years,” Odongo stated.

He noted that preliminary briefings with chief scouts—many of whom are teachers—indicate a general willingness to participate in the exercise, a gesture UNEB appreciates.

Security and integrity remain UNEB’s top priorities in this year’s exams. Odongo emphasized the Board’s continued collaboration with security agencies, contracted professionals, and heads of centres to ensure the confidentiality and credibility of the exams.

“We once again call upon all stakeholders to take examination security seriously and execute their roles accordingly,” he said.

UNEB issued a stern warning against any form of examination malpractice. The public has been cautioned against dealing with fraudsters who claim to have access to examination papers. According to Odongo, several suspects have already been apprehended and confessed to their actions, with security teams maintaining high vigilance.

Under the UNEB Act, CAP 259, anyone caught engaging in examination malpractice faces severe penalties.

• Section 25(1): Possession or attempted possession of examination materials can result in a fine not exceeding 2,000 currency points or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
• Section 25(2): Assisting candidates to obtain examination materials unlawfully carries the same penalty, whether or not the materials are genuine.
• Section 26: Teachers, invigilators, scouts, or other personnel who assist candidates to cheat—or fail to prevent malpractice—face fines of up to 1,000 currency points or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

UNEB urged the public to report any suspected malpractice through its toll-free line: 0800-211-077, assuring whistleblowers of full protection under the Board’s whistleblower policy.

Odongo further cautioned all personnel contracted for examination supervision to avoid political activities during the examination period. He also appealed to political aspirants to refrain from holding rallies in school compounds or playgrounds, to maintain a peaceful environment for candidates.

In his concluding remarks, the Executive Director reminded candidates that examinations are designed to measure achievement, not to instill fear or failure.

“The purpose of the examination is to assess the candidates’ level of achievement and not to fail them. It is meant to align them to their career paths,” Odongo said.

He encouraged candidates to stay calm, follow instructions, and approach the examinations with confidence.

“The Lord who has brought you this far will surely enable you to write and pass your examinations,” he added.