The 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations have officially commenced with a candidate briefing session to ensure a smooth, secure, and fair examination process.
This year’s candidates were briefed by their respective headteachers and will sit their exams at 4,308 centers nationwide.
Dan Odong, the Executive Director of UNEB, highlighted that this year’s theme, “Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment,” remains the same as last year, reinforcing the board’s commitment to upholding the integrity and security of the examination process while also fostering a comprehensive evaluation of students.
Increased UCE Candidature
A total of 432,159 candidates have registered for this year’s UCE examination, marking a 12.1% increase from last year’s 379,748 candidates. Notably, 52.7% of this year’s candidates are female, while 47.3% are male, reflecting a balanced representation in the examination population.
Of these candidates, 154,637 (36%) are government-sponsored under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) program, an increase from 138,502 last year. The remaining 241,246 candidates are privately sponsored. Additionally, there are 679 Special Needs Education (SNE) candidates, with UNEB providing 190 support personnel to ensure that these students receive the necessary assistance during the exams.
Teacher Industrial Action Concerns
UNEB acknowledges the concerns raised by teachers regarding industrial action, but urges them not to link the supervision of national examinations with the strike. Teachers, being central to the examination process, have expressed willingness to participate, and UNEB appreciates their cooperation. The Board appeals to teachers to assist in the successful completion of the exams, noting that they have been vital in shaping the future of these learners.
Security and Integrity of the Examinations
The Board reiterates its emphasis on securing the examination process and warns against malpractice. UNEB is collaborating with various security agencies, contracted professionals, and Heads of Centers to ensure the exams are conducted with the highest level of integrity.
In line with the examination’s security measures, UNEB strongly warns against any involvement in examination fraud. The public is urged to be cautious of fraudsters attempting to manipulate the examination process. Legal consequences are outlined in the UNEB Act, with severe penalties for anyone caught in examination malpractice.
Anyone found guilty of attempting to illegally access exam materials, or facilitating such actions, faces a fine of up to two thousand currency points, a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. Teachers, invigilators, and other personnel found aiding cheating will also face severe penalties.
The Board has set up a toll-free hotline, 0800-211-077, for whistleblowers to report suspected malpractice, with assurances of protection under UNEB’s whistleblower policy.
Political Campaigns and Examination Integrity
UNEB also warns against any political activities taking place in schools or examination centers. Those involved in the conduct of the examinations are advised to refrain from engaging in political campaigns during this period. Political candidates are urged to avoid holding rallies or gatherings in school grounds to avoid disrupting the candidates during their examinations.
A Word to Candidates
UNEB emphasizes that the examinations are not meant to fail the candidates but to assess their academic progress. The examination is a stepping stone towards their career paths, and students are encouraged to approach the exams with confidence and composure. UNEB wishes all candidates the best of luck and offers prayers for their success.
