Headteachers cautioned against aiding malpractice as UCE exams begin

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The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has issued a stern warning to headteachers and schools whose centres are involved in examination malpractice, saying they risk blacklisting, prosecution, and withdrawal of examination centre status.

While briefing Senior Four candidates at Kagadi Secondary School over the weekend, Ramadan Nyondo Barongo, the UNEB Buyaga Area Supervisor and Headteacher of Kagadi Secondary School, cautioned both candidates and school administrators against engaging in any form of malpractice during the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations.

Ramadan Nyondo Barongo, the UNEB Buyaga Area Supervisor and Headteacher of Kagadi Secondary School, briefing S.4 candidates. (Photo by Andrew Musinguzi)

Barongo said: “Any candidate who engages in any form of examination malpractice, such as impersonation, collusion, substitution of scripts, external assistance shall be arrested, prosecuted in courts of law as well as his or her results cancelled in accordance to UNEB Act cap 259.”

He explained that the law also applies to teachers and headteachers who aid malpractice in any form.

“Any head teacher whose centre is involved in examination malpractice or is implicated shall be blacklisted and prosecuted in accordance with the UNEB Act, 2021. UNEB may also refer such a head teacher to the Ministry of Education and Sports for administrative action such as revalidating, suspending or withdrawing the implicated centre,” Barongo added.

He emphasised that the act does not exclude teachers who help candidates write answers in both theory and practical papers, warning that such teachers will face disciplinary action from the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Barongo revealed that a total of 662 students are sitting for the UCE exams at Kagadi Secondary School alone, with two centres operating at the same venue.

Over 1,000 candidates will sit for their papers in eleven centres across Buyaga County, including Fountain of Hope SS, Buyaga Parents SSS, Kyakabadima Parents SS, Bunyoro SSS, Kitegwa Community SSS, Mother Mary SSS, Kagadi Academy SSS, and Kagadi People's SSS, among others.

He appealed to parents to support their children throughout the examination period.

“Whereas we have adequately prepared our candidate for UCE, we still have challenges of examination halls, laboratory equipment for practical papers, computers, classroom structures, dormitories and many teachers not on government payroll. At Kagadi SSS alone, we have a total enrolment of 3,891 students and 662 candidates registered to sit at the two centres in the same school. We ask the government to intervene,” he said.

Tophil Byarugaba, the director of studies at Kagadi Secondary School, said the candidates have been adequately prepared and briefed on UNEB rules and regulations.

“We completed the syllabus early enough to give ample time for candidates to revise their books, consult teachers, form group discussions and dedicate themselves to God for success,” said Byarugaba.

Senior Four candidates expressed optimism that they will excel due to teachers’ guidance, early syllabus completion, prayers, and hard work.

Kagadi town council LC3 chairperson, Godfrey Businge, called on the government to support the 35-year-old school, given its large enrolment.

“It is quite unfortunate that a total of 55 teachers are not on the government payroll, with only 22 on the government payroll, yet total student enrolment is 662 supposed to be handled by at least 80 teachers. We ask the Office of the Prime Minister and the education ministry to look into this demand,” said Businge.

Buyaga East MP, Eric Musana, said he would remind the Office of the Prime Minister about its pledge of 300 iron sheets to complete a classroom block and lobby for more facilities, including laboratory equipment, computers, and additional structures.