UNEB assures special needs candidates ahead of national examinations

5 November 2024, 9:58 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), through spokesperson, Ms. Jennifer Kalule, has assured primary seven candidates with special needs not to worry, as the board has made special provision for them. These candidates will still take the same examinations as their peers without special needs. This announcement was made during a joint press conference at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, making the beginning of the fourth week of this year’s examination period. During this week, all four national exams (UCE, NLSC, UCE Transitional, PLE and UACE) will be conducted simultaneously.

According to UNEB, candidates following both the new and old Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) curriculum are completing their last elective papers this week. Meanwhile, Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams commence this week. Ms. Kalule noted, “Like the UCE examinations, both the PLE and UACE examinations are conducted under the Theme, “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment.” We continue to call upon all stakeholders to be Keen on the security of examinations and its sacredness”.

The board emphasised that this approach ensures learners’ grades and certificates truly reflect their abilities, following the global trend of holistic assessment. For PLE 2024, there are 249,408 male and 275,282 female candidates, totaling 524,699. Among these, 274,081 are non-UPE candidates.

Ms. Kalule added that special accommodations have been made for candidates with special needs, including 1,677 female and 1,618 male candidates. These students will receive an additional 40 minutes, as well as Braille answer sheets for the blind, large print question papers for those with low vision, sign language interpreters for the deaf, and transcribers for students with dyslexia.

Headteachers from various schools expressed confidence in their students’ readiness for the exams. Mr. Kizito Joseph, Headteacher of Sheehan Standard Day and Boarding Primary School in Kampala, shared that his students are wee-prepared. “Our candidates have received everything they need academically. We thank the teachers and parents for fulfilling their roles and our briefing exercise was a success.” he said.

Mr. Kibuuka Matheus, Director of Kiddawalime Preparatory School Namungoona, Rubaga North constituency, also reassured parents of his students’ preparedness. “I want to thank parents for clearing fees on time because this has enabled the school perform its roles well. I encourage the candidates not to fear the examinations because these are the same papers they have been doing.” he said.

Similarly, Mr. Maggumba Hatim, Headteacher of Africa Junior School in Bulenga, expressed gratitude for the progress so far, advising students to stay calm. He encouraged parents to remain vigilant, especially for the female students, as some may face challenges during the holiday period.

The students expressed confidence in their preparation and trust that they will perform well with God’s help. the exams will begin on Wednesday and Thursday, with Mathematics in the morning.