As the primary seven candidates commence their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) today, November 6, 2024, the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) has mobilized 13,000 scouts across the country to assist during the examination process.
Additionally, 600 security personnel, including covert officers, have been assigned nationwide to ensure the examinations are conducted safely.
UNEB spokesperson Jenipher Kalule reported that out of a total of 789,771 candidates, 379,414 (47.4%) are male, while 419,357 are female. Notably, 66.7% (524,690) of the candidates come from Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools.
The board has identified 3,295 special needs candidates, with 1,677 being female. These candidates will receive an additional 45 minutes to complete their exams, in line with established regulations.
The two-day examination, concluding on November 7, 2024, signifies the completion of seven years of primary education for the candidates, who will subsequently transition to six years of secondary education.
Kalule urged both candidates and teachers to refrain from any form of examination malpractice, warning that violators could face expulsion, while teachers risk imprisonment and job loss. She emphasized that UNEB has implemented sufficient oversight and monitoring, stating that those found guilty will be held accountable under the law.
She elaborated that examination fraud encompasses the sharing or possession of electronic copies of exam materials, which is a violation of sections 24 and 25 of the UNEB Act, CAP 259. She encouraged anyone with pertinent information about suspected malpractice to contact UNEB’s toll-free numbers at 0800211077 or 0800111427. Earlier this week, four teachers were apprehended for the possession and distribution of counterfeit PLE papers online.
The individuals include Vincent Muheki, a 25-year-old educator from Ibanda Vision Primary School; Albert Babeeko, 32, from Stoneridge School in Kira Municipality; Hosea Toyek, 23, a teacher at Kigina Dignity Primary School in Rukungiri; and Kevin Bakashaba, 25, a teacher at Kimongole Junior School in Isingiro district.
Frank Baine Mayanja, the Uganda Prisons spokesperson, said 323 prisoners will be writing their PLE exam across the 18 UNEB Prison centres nationwide.
The include; Ndorwa prison, Mbarara Main Prison, Mubuku Prison Farm, Fort Portal Main Prison, Kitalya Farm Prison, Kitalya Mini Max Prison, Masaka Main Prison, Upper Maximum Security Prison-Luzira, Nakasongola Main Prison, Jinja Main Prison, Masindi Main Prison, Arua Main Prison, Gulu Main Prison, Lira Main Prison, Soroti Main Prison, Mbale Main Prison, Namalu Prison Farm, and Moroto Main Prison.
