By Kauki Sulaiman
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has appealed to lawmakers for additional funding to improve remuneration for examiners and invigilators, arguing that current rates are insufficient given the workload and rising costs of living.
While appearing before Parliament’s Education and Sports Committee, UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo said the board is struggling to fairly compensate those responsible for marking national examinations.
At present, examiners handling the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) receive Shs720 per script. Those marking the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) are paid Shs1,260 per paper, while Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examiners earn Shs1,488 per script.
UNEB is proposing that PLE markers be paid Shs1,000 per script. However, Odongo noted that even this adjustment would still leave a funding deficit of Shs244 per paper that would need to be covered.
For UCE, examiners have requested Shs2,000 per script, though the board believes Shs1,500 is a more attainable figure under current fiscal constraints. Moving from the existing Shs1,260 rate to Shs1,500 would nonetheless require extra resources.
Similarly, UACE examiners, who currently receive Shs1,488 per script, should ideally be paid around Shs2,000, according to UNEB’s assessment — leaving a funding gap of Shs512 per paper.
The board also expressed concern over compensation for invigilators. Chief invigilators are currently paid Shs45,000 for the entire examination period, with other invigilators earning slightly less. UNEB is recommending an allowance of Shs60,000 to better cover transport and meals, which would create an additional requirement of Shs15,000 per person.
Odongo acknowledged the government’s budgetary limitations but emphasized that without improved pay, it will remain difficult to attract and retain competent professionals to manage and mark national examinations.