The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has taken stern action against examination malpractice, confirming the arrest of two head teachers accused of fraudulently enrolling secondary school students to sit for the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The arrests come amid growing concerns about unethical practices intended to artificially boost school performance records.
UNEB’s Executive Director, Dan Odongo, made the announcement on Friday, October 31, during the national briefing of PLE candidates ahead of the examinations. According to Odongo, investigations revealed that students from secondary institutions had been illegally registered as PLE candidates at Salaama Education Centre in Kagadi District—where five secondary students were discovered—and at Kasasa Primary School in Hoima District, where 15 students were similarly found on the PLE register.
> “We have established that some primary schools are registering secondary students to sit for the PLE. This has been verified at Salaama Education Centre and Kasasa Primary School,” Odongo confirmed.
The detained head teachers are currently assisting with police investigations, while the affected students are being questioned to provide more information. Odongo condemned the malpractice, describing it as a deliberate attempt to inflate the number of top-grade results and undermine the integrity of the national exams.
He issued a stern warning to all examination officials—including invigilators, supervisors, and scouts—against any form of collusion or malpractice. “Anyone found aiding or abetting examination malpractice risks a fine of up to UGX 20 million, a five-year prison term, or both, as stipulated in the UNEB Act,” he cautioned.
This year’s PLE will be taken by 817,885 candidates, representing a 2.5% increase from 2024. The two-day national assessment kicks off on November 3 with Mathematics and Social Studies, followed by Integrated Science and English on November 4.
Odongo also commended Arts teachers for ending their recent industrial action, noting that their return to duty ensured that the examinations began without disruption. “We are grateful to teachers for their cooperation and professionalism, which are vital in preserving the credibility of our education system,” he remarked.
UNEB has strengthened security measures at all examination centers, working hand in hand with the Uganda Police Force and District Education Officers to guarantee fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to examination regulations throughout the testing period.
