Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the 2025 national examination timetables for the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), marking a key milestone in the academic calendar.
This year’s examination season will kick off with the UCE candidate briefing on Friday, October 10, followed by the written examinations starting on Monday, October 13.
The PLE briefing is scheduled for October 31, with exams commencing on Monday, November 3, while UACE candidates will be briefed on November 7, ahead of their exams beginning on Monday, November 10.
This will be the second time UNEB is assessing UCE candidates under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), as the country continues to transition to more practical and skills-oriented education approaches.
Timetables Accessible Online and in Print
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo announced that Heads of Centers can access the official timetables via their school portals. In addition, hard copies will be distributed along with other examination stationery.
“We have printed enough copies for all candidates,” Odongo said. “Schools must ensure that every candidate receives a copy and that the timetable is visibly displayed on school noticeboards for easy access by students and stakeholders.”
Braille versions of the UCE and UACE timetables have also been prepared for Special Needs Education (SNE) candidates with visual impairments, reinforcing UNEB’s commitment to inclusivity.
Candidature Surges to Over 1.4 Million
This year’s total number of registered candidates has surged to 1,416,468, reflecting a 7.5% increase from last year’s 1,308,998 candidates.
Breakdown by examination level:
- PLE: 818,010 candidates (up from 797,444) – 2.5% increase
- UCE: 432,025 candidates (up from 379,699) – 12.1% increase
- UACE: 166,433 candidates (up from 141,996) – 14.7% increase
Female candidates make up 51.5% of the total registered, continuing a positive trend of increasing female participation in national assessments.
A total of 4,802 candidates have been registered under Special Needs Education, marking a 4.5% increase from 4,587 in 2024. Of these, 3,619 are at PLE level, 670 at UCE, and 513 at UACE.
Government vs Private Sponsorship
According to UNEB, 51% of the candidates (719,016) are sponsored under the government’s Universal Education Programmes, while 49% (697,452) are privately sponsored. This nearly even split highlights the continued relevance of both public and private educational institutions in Uganda’s education landscape.
UNEB Urges Adherence and Early Preparation
UNEB has emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the released timetables, urging schools to ensure that students are well-prepared ahead of the exams.
“All briefings are mandatory,” Odongo stressed. “They are crucial for informing candidates about examination regulations, and any breach could have serious consequences.”
As the national exams approach, UNEB encourages all candidates, teachers, and parents to focus on preparation and discipline to ensure a smooth and successful examination period.
