By Anne Mugisa and Conan Businge

Fifteen schools had their Senior Four examination results cancelled over examination malpractice.
A total of 1,240 candidates were affected as a result, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) said.

Releasing the 2009 results yesterday, the education minister Namirembe Bitamazire said there was a slight improvement in performance compared to last year’s.

UNEB chief Matthew Bukenya said although the number of cheating schools was big, the candidates involved were fewer than those in the previous year, or 1,344.

He said the malpractices include external assistance and collusion between candidates. He reported that there were no exam leakages this year for the first time in a very long time.

The malpractice affected mostly physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics. Arts subjects were almost free of malpractice.

Five schools lost examination centres for malpractices like failing to register candidates after charging them fees. For example, Bukenya said, one school did not register Tanzanian students.

Explaining the performance, Bukenya said the candidates apparently lacked practical experience. A shortage of science teachers, he said, made matters worse, probably leading to more malpractices in science subjects.

The schools, whose centres were withdrawn include Dynamic SS Sonde and Spire HS Gayaza in Wakiso (see graphic).

Bitamazire advised the affected students to re-register for the examination this year, but said the teachers who helped them to cheat will be punished.