Bushenyi leaders demand answers over pupils who missed PLE

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BUSHENYI – Leaders in Bushenyi district have raised concerns over 66 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidates who were registered but failed to sit the 2025 examinations.

The results were officially released to headteachers on February 18, 2026, during a meeting at the District Council Hall, attended by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the chief administrative officer (CAO).

Presenting the performance report, district inspector of schools Michael Matigi said a total of 4,583 candidates sat the examinations in 2025.

Of these, 1,074 pupils (23.4%) passed in Grade One, 2,758 (60.2%) obtained Grade Two, 486 (10.6%) were placed in Grade Three, while 135 (2.9%) passed in Grade Four. A total of 64 candidates (1.4%) were ungraded (Grade U).

Presenting the performance report, district inspector of schools Michael Matigi said a total of 4,583 candidates sat the examinations in 2025. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)

However, 66 candidates, representing 1.4% of those registered, were recorded under “X”, meaning they did not sit the examinations.

Comparison with the 2024 performance

In the 2024 PLE results, 934 candidates scored Grade One, 2,862 obtained Grade Two, 595 were in Grade Three, and 83 were ungraded.

While the district registered an improvement in the number of Grade One passes this year, leaders expressed concern over the candidates who were absent during the examinations.

CAO demands accountability

Bushenyi CAO Sanyu Phionah directed headteachers to urgently establish the whereabouts of the 66 missing candidates and explain why they failed to sit the examinations.

She instructed all school heads to compile and submit detailed accountability reports to her office without delay.

Sanyu warned that headteachers who registered candidates but failed to monitor their attendance or formally report their absence would be held personally responsible.

“We cannot have learners registered and then disappear without explanation,” she said, emphasising the need for stronger tracking and follow-up mechanisms in schools.

RDC warns against sending pupils home

Bushenyi RDC Emmy Ngabirano cautioned headteachers against sending pupils home over unpaid school dues.

He reminded school administrators that under the Government’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme, learners are entitled to free and affordable primary education.

“In a situation where the Government provides UPE capitation grants, no child should be sent away from school because of unpaid dues,” Ngabirano said.

He stressed that schools must prioritise learner retention to ensure that all children complete the primary education cycle.