At least two headteachers, one teacher and exam official have been arrested for involving in various cases of examination malpractice in the ongoing Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) Exams.
In the first case reported in Mitooma District, western Uganda, Tumusiime Dominic, a Swahili teacher at Kanyabwanga Secondary School, in under custody for allegedly sharing information believed to be an examination material for a Biology Practical Paper before the conduction of the exam.
UNEB Spokesperson, Ms Jennifer Kalule-Musamba confirmed the report adding that according to preliminary findings, Mr Tumusiime purportedly shared the content on a school teachers’ forum which prompted the Headteacher of the School to report the case to the Police, and the teacher was arrested.
She added that the file was sanctioned at the magistrate’s court in Bushenyi, and the suspect was due to appear in court yesterday (Wednesday).
In a related case of malpractice, the Police in Kwania District arrested the head teacher of Inomo Secondary School for allegedly tampering with examination material/envelope containing question papers for Mathematics Paper 1.
“It is said that he received a sealed envelope from the station, in the presence of other examination officials, that included the UNEB Chief Scout, Area Supervisor, as well as security Officers. It is suspected that the content of the envelop could have been tampered with. Police is investigating the case,”Ms Kalule stated.
In Nagalama, the police arrested the Headteacher of Paul Mukasa Secondary School in Kalagi for electronic sharing of information, purported to be a UNEB Examination paper.
The Headteacher was said to be sharing the material from his phone, and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public. He will be arraigned in court to answer to charges of aiding and abetting malpractice.
In Kampala, the Police in Kabalagala, Makindye Division, have arrested the Chief Invigilator at African Paarl Secondary School on suspicion of providing external assistance to the second shift of Chemistry students.
This was during the practical examination of Chemistry Paper 3 of Tuesday, October 17, 2023, a handwritten piece of paper with suspected answers of the practical paper was found in the examination room, where the Chief Invigilator was supervising. Investigations are ongoing.
Section 28 of the UNEB Act 2021 makes it an offence to damage/ destruct an examination paper, examination material, or any other material or information.
According to the Act, a person involved in such an act commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding one thousand currency points (Twenty Million Shillings) or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.
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