EDUCATION (UGNEWSLINE) – The 2026 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) has been successfully conducted across most parts of the country, with favourable weather, effective collaboration with local governments and vigilance by examination officials contributing to the smooth exercise.
Ms. Jennifer Kalule Musamba, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), said the two examination days were largely characterised by dry weather, a significant improvement from previous years when heavy morning rains often disrupted the transportation and distribution of examination materials.
“We have had a successful two days for the conduct of the Primary Leaving Examination 2026, and we are very grateful to the Lord for the good weather over the last two days, something which had not happened in a number of years,” Musamba said.
She explained that heavy rains during previous PLE exercises created logistical challenges, particularly in transporting examination materials to different centres.
However, she said the dry weather experienced on both days in most parts of the country facilitated smooth operations.
Musamba also thanked local government authorities for supporting the distribution of examination materials, noting that their involvement had helped guarantee the security and credibility of the exercise.
“All the local government authorities, you have done a very good job. Thank you so much for allowing the officers of the local governments to help in the distribution, and because of that, the credibility of our examination materials has been guaranteed,” she said.
She added that the board had not encountered any distribution challenges during the exercise, crediting local government officials for their commitment and cooperation.
The examination body also commended invigilators, scouts, district monitors and UNEB staff for their vigilance in detecting and preventing examination malpractice.
According to Musamba, several suspected malpractice incidents were intercepted before they could compromise the integrity of the examinations.
She said some individuals allegedly planned to share examination answers with candidates, while others had taken photographs of examination materials intending to circulate them.
In two incidents involving cut examination envelopes, Musamba said security teams intervened before the contents could be shared or any damage caused.
“We have been able to intercept so many cases of malpractice before they actually happen,” she said.
She attributed the interventions to the vigilance of examination personnel and cooperation from members of the public, who provided information about suspected malpractice.
Musamba revealed that UNEB had received numerous whistleblower reports from concerned citizens about individuals allegedly teaching candidates or writing answers on boards while examinations were ongoing.
She said the board responded to the reports, leading to the interception of suspected malpractice and arrests at different examination centres across the country.
Some of those arrested were allegedly involved in colluding with teachers to prepare answers for candidates, writing answers on boards or attempting to photocopy examination materials.
Musamba expressed hope that the interventions would help reduce malpractice cases when examiners assess the candidates’ scripts.
“We hope that when the examiners look at the scripts, we shall not have many cases of malpractice,” she said.
She, however, acknowledged that a few scouts and invigilators had not performed to the expected standards, although he maintained that the majority of examination personnel had done commendable work.
Meanwhile, UNEB expressed condolences following the death of a candidate from Lira who died in an incident while riding.
“Our condolences go to the family, to the people in Lira, and to the school where the candidate was going,” Musamba said.
The board also reported a few cases of candidates who experienced anxiety disorders or required assistance due to other circumstances that affected their ability to sit the examinations.
Musamba said support personnel were on standby and deployed to assist affected candidates as part of the board’s commitment to inclusive assessment.
She emphasised that UNEB continued to prioritise learners with special educational needs by providing appropriate support and ensuring they had a conducive environment in which to sit their examinations.
“By and large, everybody has been given a conducive environment to write their examinations,” she said.
The board thanked all stakeholders, including local governments, examination personnel, schools, parents and members of the public, for their contribution to the successful conduct of PLE 2026.
