Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has sounded an alarm after two head teachers were arrested for illegally registering secondary school students to sit for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), in what officials described as a growing form of examination malpractice aimed at boosting school performance rankings.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday, October 31, as p.7 candidates kicked off the 2025 PLE examinations with a nationwide briefing session.
Mr Odongo said the arrests followed investigations that uncovered cases of impersonation and illegal registration at two schools: Salaama Education Centre Primary School in Kagadi District, where five secondary students were found registered for the PLE, and Kasasa Primary School in Hoima District, where 15 such students were discovered.
“We have realized that some primary schools have taken on the practice of registering secondary school students to sit PLE. We have so far found this in Salaama Education Centre Primary School in Kagadi and Kasasa Primary School in Hoima,” Odongo said.
He added that the implicated head teachers have been arrested, and the affected students are expected to record statements to aid the investigation. “The reason for this impersonation is to boost the number of first grades. All these are criminal intentions,” Odongo emphasized, warning that the Board will continue to crack down on such cases.
The UNEB chief also cautioned invigilators, scouts, and supervisors against colluding in malpractice, warning that anyone caught risks a fine of Shs20 million, five years’ imprisonment, or both as stipulated in the UNEB Act.
This year’s PLE has attracted 817,885 candidates, reflecting a 2.5% increase from last year. The two-day national examinations will start on November 3 with Mathematics and Social Studies, and conclude on November 4 with Integrated Science and English.
Odongo commended the Arts teachers for ending their recent strike, saying their decision has ensured that examinations begin smoothly nationwide. “We appreciate teachers for their cooperation. Their commitment is vital to ensuring the integrity and credibility of our national exams,” he said.
Security has been tightened at all examination centres, with joint operations between UNEB, Police, and district education officers to deter malpractice and ensure transparency during the examination process.
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