The Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) is making final preparations to ensure smooth start of Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) which kickoff next Monday .
A total of 817,930 Primary Seven candidates across Uganda are set to sit the two-day national exams.
The number represents an increase from the 797,444 candidates who sat for the same exams last year, continuing a steady upward trend in national enrollment.
According to Ms Jennifer Kalule Musamba, the Uneb Principal Public Relations Officer, this year’s candidates comprise 389,557 boys (47.7 percent ) and 428,373 girls (52.3 percent ), reflecting the continued dominance of female candidates in the national exams.
“All candidates will be briefed by their head teachers on October 31 before sitting for the Mathematics paper on November 3, followed by Social Studies and Religious Education on November 4,” Ms Kalule said.
Uneb tightens security and surveillance
Kalule revealed that Uneb has intensified examination security, noting that the Board over the weekend briefed 150 Examination District Monitors, who will in turn train head teachers, invigilators, scouts, and distributors.
She warned members of the public against fraudsters posing as Uneb insiders or sharing fake examination materials online.
“The Board would like to caution the public against individuals claiming to have access to actual exam papers,” Ms Kalule said. “Our surveillance teams are monitoring such activities, and anyone caught will face prosecution.”
The Board emphasized that all examination materials will be distributed under tight security, coordinated by UNEB, the Uganda Police Force, and District Security Committees.
Smooth UCE Exams
Meanwhile, Ms Kalule also reported that the ongoing Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams for Senior Four candidates have completed their second week without any incidents of paper leaks or unauthorised access.
She added that 17 female candidates from Pallisa, Busia, and Koboko districts are sitting their exams while pregnant. “We commend these candidates for their determination,” Kalule said, adding that UNEB continues to provide a supportive environment for expectant students.