The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has withheld the results of some candidates who sat the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) following reported cases of examination malpractice in several districts across the country.
Presenting the PLE results at State House, Nakasero, UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo said malpractice had taken on “a more brazen and troubling form,” involving collusion between school administrators and examination officials.
“Examination malpractice has taken on a more brazen and troubling form. In some instances, scouts and invigilators have reportedly been bribed or threatened with physical harm by school directors and headteachers to allow teachers to assist candidates directly within examination rooms,” Odongo said.
He expressed concern that some officers in District Education Offices, who are mandated to protect the integrity of national examinations, had become complicit in the illegal practices.
“It is regrettable that some officers within District Education Offices, who should be key partners in safeguarding examination integrity, have become complicit in these and other unprofessional acts,” he said.
Odongo noted that, in line with Section 5(2)(b) of the UNEB Act, Cap. 259, the Board has withheld results of candidates implicated in the malpractice pending completion of investigations.
“The Board will withhold the results of affected candidates pending the completion of investigations. Where a prima facie case is established, the Board’s Tribunal, also known as the Examinations Security Committee, will accord all affected candidates a fair hearing before final decisions are made,” he said.
According to UNEB, most of the withheld cases originated from the districts of Kisoro, Kampala, Mukono, Namutumba, Kassanda, Buyende, and Kaliro, among others.
However, Odongo commended districts where strict administrative action had led to improved examination integrity.
“I would like to commend the leadership of Kyenjojo, Kabarole, and Bundibugyo districts, where a notable improvement has been observed,” he said, adding that no cases of examination malpractice were reported in Kyenjojo this year following firm action taken by the Chief Administrative Officer in 2024.
Odongo also acknowledged the role of security agencies in addressing malpractice. “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the dedicated Security Team, which has worked tirelessly to investigate and manage cases of examination malpractice,” he said.
Despite the challenges, UNEB released results for special candidate groups, including prison inmates. At Uganda Government Upper Prison School in Luzira, 58 out of 61 registered candidates sat the examination, with four candidates attaining Division One. At Mbarara Main Prison Inmates Primary School, 39 out of 40 candidates sat the examination, with seven candidates scoring Division One.
UNEB said investigations into the withheld results are ongoing and urged schools, teachers, and education officials to uphold professionalism and integrity to protect the credibility of national examinations.
