Pader district registers 3,982 candidates for 2026 PLE

22 July 2026, 7:24 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

Pader District has registered 3,982 candidates for the 2026 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), education officials have confirmed.

Speaking during an emergency meeting of head teachers at Paipir Primary School, the district inspector of schools, Olwoch, said the candidates include both UPE and non-UPE learners.

According to Olwoch, 3,622 candidates were registered under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme, comprising 1,839 males and 1,783 females.

He added that 360 candidates were registered from non-UPE schools, including 170 males and 190 females.

He expressed concern over the increasing dropout rate and called on parents, teachers, local leaders, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that all registered learners remain in school until they sit for their examinations.

Olwoch on appeal

In his closing remarks, Pader District LCV Chairperson Alfred Akena urged head teachers to maintain proper records and submit reports supported by evidence, including photographs of school activities, meetings, and monitoring visits.

He also warned schools against altering enrollment figures without official authorization, saying the district would maintain the existing UPE records until a verification exercise is conducted under government instruction.

Akena further announced that the district would strengthen school monitoring and oversight, with councillors expected to visit schools and assess the implementation of government programmes.

Alfred Akena (in green suit) the LCV discussing with Amos Assimwe the RDC Pader

The LCV chairperson also called for more practical, school-based capacity building for teachers and administrators.

“We need hands-on training in schools rather than repeated meetings where the same issues are discussed without follow-up,” Akena added.

The emergency meeting brought together district leaders, education officials, and head teachers to discuss learner retention, accountability, and the management of UPE records amid the ongoing drought and economic challenges affecting many families in Pader District.