KAMPALA. Eight people have been sentenced to two years in Luzira Prison or ordered to pay a fine of Shs. 3million each after pleading guilty to charges of examination malpractice and leaking Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) papers.
The ruling was delivered at Mengo’s Mwanga II Court, marking a major development in a scandal that has shaken Uganda’s education sector.
The eight convicts—Okello Brian, Gira Daniel, Muhwezi Godfrey, Kabaale Ibrahim, Pule Calvin, and Kyabalema Swidick, among others—admitted to conspiring to steal and distribute PLE exam papers ahead of the official examination dates. According to prosecution, the suspects leaked all Primary Seven subjects, photographing the papers and sharing them via WhatsApp and Telegram groups.
Investigators revealed that the leaked papers were circulated to clients across several districts, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Luweero, Kassanda, Mityana, and Masaka.
The group was part of a wider ring of 29 suspects, among them Kassanda District Education Officer Naalima Bendicto, the proprietor of Nkoba Primary School, and other alleged accomplices. The remaining 21 suspects maintained their innocence and opted to stand trial.
While sentencing the eight who pleaded guilty, Grade One Magistrate Adam Byamukama said the court had considered their remorse and the fact that they did not waste court time. He therefore issued what he described as a “lenient” sentence of two years’ imprisonment or a fine.
Meanwhile, lawyers for the 21 suspects who denied the charges applied for bail, presenting sureties in court. However, the state prosecutor requested more time to verify the documents provided.
Magistrate Byamukama consequently remanded the 21 to Luzira Prison until the 10th of next month, when the case is scheduled to return for mention.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has condemned the incident, with legal officer Ann Kamaari expressing disappointment that individuals entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the education system were implicated.
“It is disheartening to see district education officials—who should be fighting malpractice—actively participating in leaking exams,” Kamaari said
The case highlights growing concerns over examination integrity, prompting renewed calls for tighter security around national assessments.