Adjumani records six absentees as PLE kicks off
A total of 5,903 candidates were registered to sit the PLE in 45 examination centres across the district this year.
Pupils of King's Academy during pre-PLE exams. (Credit: Doreen Tasia)
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At least six pupils in Adjumani district missed the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) on the first day, officials have confirmed.
A total of 5,903 candidates were registered to sit the PLE in 45 examination centres across the district this year.
Out of the six, three learners are from Keyo 1 Primary School, and one each from Esia, Okangali, and Omwiya Primary Schools.
Raphael Vusia, the headteacher of Keyo 1 Primary School, confirmed that the three learners who missed the examinations had dropped out of school.
"When I tried to make a follow-up on those pupils, I found out that the two who are South Sudanese went back to their country, while the girl who is a national was taken to work in Kampala by her mother," she explained.
She attributed this to a lack of parental support, adding that negative attitudes towards education continue to affect the completion rate at the primary level.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) began the examinations with Mathematics in the morning and Social Studies and Religious Education in the afternoon.
Most school authorities reported a smooth conduct of examinations despite logistical challenges in some rural areas, according to the district monitor, Cherop Godfrey Mwanga.
"We had a challenge in Pakelle where examinations started past 9 am because of delays in the delivery of the papers. The partners who had provided a vehicle to transport the papers had refused to move with armed officers, who were later harmonised. A lot of time was wasted."
Regarding the missing pupils, Mwanga said the headteachers would only be held responsible if they had sent learners away over school fees, which was not the case.
Emmanuel Okware, the deputy resident district commissioner of Adjumani, cautioned learners and teachers against any form of examination malpractice during the PLE sittings.
"We want to wish the learners success and pray that they remain calm during the papers. I also want to caution against any form of malpractices which may feature; all should observe the schedules of the Uganda National Examinations Board."