UNEB warns schools against malpractice as UACE exams begin

11 November 2024, 8:51 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Today, the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, organised by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), commenced nationwide. Candidates taking arts subjects began with history, while those in sciences started with mathematics. Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule Musamba announced that a total of 142,009 students registered for the exams. Of these, 25.1% are government-sponsored under the Universal Post-Level Education and Training programme, while 74.8% are privately sponsored.

According to UNEB, several incidents of examination malpractice have been reported and are under police investigation. In Iganga district, police recovered nine Primary Seven candidates from Teso View Guest House. The students, registered for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at Kasozi Primary School in Jinja, were candidates from New Hope Children Centre in Bugweri district. The school director, Kwagala Ronnie, a 29-year-old male, allegedly hired people to sit the exam on behalf of the candidates, who were sheltered in the guest house. Jennifer added that Kwagala, along with the guest house owner and two attendants, is now in police custody and could face charges for aiding and abetting examination malpractice through impersonation.

In Mpigi district, seven suspects were apprehended for malpractice at St. Mugaga Primary School. During the mathematics exam, the suspects reportedly entered the exam room and provided external assistance to the candidates. One of the individuals was caught writing answers on the blackboard for candidates to copy. A UNEB scout discovered the activity and alerted the police, who acted immediately. The apprehended individuals include Dhabangi Charles (a UNEB scout), Dramadri Alex, Nakasana Olivia, Namukasa Margaret, Nabukenya Faridah, Tibiwa Mwajuma, and all invigilators assigned to the school.

Additionally, in Kazo district in the Rwizi region, police arrested three suspects in possession of what was purported to be Social Studies (SST) and Mathematics papers. The suspects were reportedly distributing these on Telegram and other social media platforms, asking for money from potential buyers. The arrested individuals include Khimba Fred, director of Bugarihe Standard Primary School in Rwamikoma sub-county; Ntibasiima George, head teacher at Bugarihe Standard Primary School; and Akadinda Raymond, a teacher at the same school. Investigations are ongoing.

The board has warned heads of examination centres against engaging in malpractice, as it is illegal and will lead to prosecution. “Heads of UACE centres are also reminded to follow guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Sports on the prevention, detection, and control of Mpox in schools. Schools must provide clean water and soap or hand sanitiser for handwashing outside examination halls and clean public surfaces such as desks as regularly as possible,” Jennifer Kalule Musamba stated.

UNEB remains committed to conducting valid, reliable, equitable, and quality assessments of learners’ achievements in a professional and innovative manner, awarding internationally recognised certificates.