Kampala — In a remarkable display of determination and academic excellence, inmates across Uganda’s prison system have achieved top marks in the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams, drawing national attention and praise for the rehabilitative power of education.
Despite a national pass rate of 98.9%, several prisoners stood out for exceptional performance. At Luzira Women’s Prison, Namubiru Ruth earned an impressive 11 points, making her the top performer at the facility. She has set her sights on becoming a lawyer, reflecting both ambition and resilience. Meanwhile, at Mbarara Main Prison, Owomugisha Onesmus led the male cohort with 15 points, a score placing him among the best in the national exams.
Education Behind Bars
Uganda’s prison system operates schools and partners with universities such as Makerere University to offer degree programs and continuing education for inmates. These initiatives allow high-achieving prisoners to pursue tertiary studies remotely, preparing them for reintegration into society.
The Uganda Prisons Service took to social media to celebrate the successes, sharing videos of students receiving results and congratulatory messages, noting: “Congratulations all the inmates. We wish you success in the University while in Prison.”
National and Online Reactions
The stories of Namubiru, Owomugisha, and other top-performing inmates have inspired widespread online praise, with many highlighting education as a key factor in rehabilitation.
Social media users also posted lighthearted memes joking about studying for university exams while in prison, drawing attention to the serious opportunities created by educational programs behind bars.
Education officials and prison administrators have noted that supporting academic success in correctional facilities not only empowers inmates but also reduces recidivism and promotes positive social reintegration.
The achievements of Uganda’s incarcerated students underscore a broader national conversation about access to education, equal opportunity, and the transformative role of learning — even under challenging circumstances.
