Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) today released the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination results, highlighting improved national performance and a remarkable achievement by candidates who sat their exams from prison centres.
The examinations were conducted under the theme “Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment,” marking the second cohort assessed under Uganda’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
In one of the most inspiring highlights of the 2025 results, all inmates who sat for the UCE examinations qualified for the certificate.
At Uganda Government Upper Prison, Luzira, 40 candidates registered, 39 sat for the exams, and all 39 passed.
Similarly, at Mbarara Main Prison, all 12 registered candidates sat and each one qualified for the UCE certificate.
The 100 percent success rate underscores the growing impact of education and rehabilitation programs within Uganda’s correctional facilities. Education officials say the achievement reflects both the commitment of the candidates and the structured support provided within prison schools.
Overall National Performance Improves
A total of 432,163 candidates from 3,975 examination centres registered for the 2025 UCE exams — an increase of 72,746 candidates (20.2%) compared to 2024.
204,292 males (47.3%), 227,871 females (52.7%), 429,949 candidates (99.5%) sat the exams and Absenteeism dropped to just 0.5%
UNEB reported that 428,628 candidates (99.69%) qualified for the UCE certificate, an improvement from 98.1% in 2024. The percentage of candidates who did not qualify dropped significantly from 1.9% to just 0.31%.
Under the CBC framework, results are graded according to achievement levels:
A – Exceptional, B – Outstanding, C – Satisfactory, D – Basic and E – Elementary
The majority of candidates attained Grade C (Satisfactory), demonstrating adequate competency in applying knowledge and skills to real-life situations.
