EDUCATION: The 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) officially begin today, October 31, 2025, with the briefing of candidates at their respective schools and sitting centers. This year’s examinations will be conducted under the theme, “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment.”
Students will begin writing their examinations on Monday, November 3rd, with Mathematics in the morning and Social Studies and Religious Education in the afternoon. They will conclude the exams on Tuesday, November 4th, with Integrated Science in the morning and English in the afternoon.
According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), a total of 817,885 candidates have registered for the exams, marking a 2.5% increase from last year’s 797,444. The candidates are sitting from 16,140 examination centers across the country. Of these, 389,529 (48%) are male, while 428,356 (52%) are female.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo expressed gratitude to the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) for calling off their industrial action, allowing teachers to participate in the crucial exercise of invigilation.
“The PLE is the first national examination in the lives of our children, and its results greatly determine their educational future. It is therefore imperative that the process is fair, valid, and professionally managed,” Odongo said.
61 Inmates Among Candidates
Among this year’s candidates are 61 inmates from Upper Prison School, Luzira, including 7 females and 54 males, who will sit alongside other pupils nationwide.
Special Needs Candidates Supported
A total of 3,644 candidates with special needs will also sit for the examinations. UNEB has made special provisions to ensure inclusivity; 33 blind candidates will receive braille question papers and answer sheets, 620 candidates with low vision will get large print question papers, 300 deaf candidates will be supported by sign language interpreters.
1,318 learners with dyslexia or severe physical impairments will receive help from transcribers.
Each special needs candidate will be given 45 extra minutes per paper, supported by 1,505 specialized personnel deployed nationwide.
Field Personnel and Security
To ensure the smooth conduct of the exams, UNEB has deployed 59,890 field personnel, including; 160 district monitors, 13,841 scouts, 12,260 chief invigilators, 33,105 invigilators, 524 security officers
The security team will monitor the process to prevent malpractice and safeguard both candidates and examination materials.
Call for Local Government Support
Odongo urged Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), District Education Officers (DEOs), and District Inspectors of Schools (DISs) to collaborate with UNEB to guarantee a smooth and malpractice-free examination process. He commended CAOs who previously took firm action against schools implicated in exam malpractice.
Warning Against Malpractice
The UNEB Executive Director issued a stern warning to anyone planning to engage in examination malpractice, noting that offenders will face prosecution under the UNEB Act, Cap 259.
Those convicted risk up to 10 years in prison, a fine of UGX 40 million, or both. Invigilators who negligently allow malpractice may face up to 5 years in jail or a UGX 20 million fine.
Members of the public with credible information about suspected malpractice are encouraged to report through UNEB’s toll-free numbers: 0800-111-427 or 0800-211-077. Whistleblowers will be protected under UNEB’s policy.
Briefing of Candidates
UNEB has cautioned against registering secondary school students to sit for PLE, citing ongoing investigations into impersonation cases in some districts. Head teachers have been urged to personally brief candidates on examination regulations, prohibited materials, and conduct expectations.
Candidates are reminded to; Write their answers in blue or black ink pens, not pencil (except for drawings), Arrive at centers 30 minutes before the start of each paper, Avoid smuggling, copying, impersonation, or external assistance, which lead to disqualification or cancellation of results.
