No significant hurdles in UCE exams -- UNEB

In a nation where education serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity, the 2023 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations began their second week with a reassuring sense of order.

The Joint Police Press briefing has provided insights into the first week of exams, highlighting both triumphs and challenges in the quest for a fair and secure examination process.

The principal public relations officer, Jennifer Kalule Musamba said that Monday, October 23, 2023, marked the start of the UCE examination's second week.

She said the examination board, with commendable efficiency, distributed all the necessary materials to the main examination stations without significant hurdles.

The first set of candidates was now well into their compulsory papers, starting the week with Physics papers 1 and 2.

She said Week one, from October 16 to 20 was marked by smooth proceedings. It was a testament to the dedication of the scouts, invigilators, Area Supervisors, and security personnel who stood guard over the integrity of the examination process. Their vigilance was unwavering, and their commitment was unwavering.

However, the week wasn't without its challenges, according to Musamba.

She said a few instances of misconduct emerged, including external assistance, destruction of examination materials, and the digital sharing of what purported to be UNEB examination papers.

Law enforcement swiftly stepped in to address these issues. Two of these cases even made their way to court, leading to the remand of the suspects to prison, according to Musamba

The West Nile incident

In Yumbe, Musamba a troubling incident unfolded.

Six teachers from Nampita Secondary School and an invigilator found themselves in police custody.

They face charges of possessing unauthorized material and creating a disturbance in an examination room.

The suspects, including teachers of Economics, Biology, and others, had been caught red-handed with power banks, smartphones, and a laptop during an ongoing exam.

“One teacher's smartphone contained answers for the biology practical examination. The diligent scout reported this suspicious activity, leading to their apprehension,” she said.

The suspects are Ceaser Julius Obbo, a teacher of Economics, Josephine Angukoru (Biology), Boniface Ntibiringwira, Godwin Wasswa, James Bamukabire, Emmanuel Okello and Saddam Hussein.

The invigilator was identified as Bosco Oryema

She said while the first week of exams ended relatively smoothly, it was not without sorrow.

“Two Special Needs Education (SNE) candidates, both afflicted with sickle cell disease, succumbed during the week. The loss of these young lives, one from St. Noa Mawagali SS in Jinja and the other from St. Andrew Kaggwa in Kawaala near Kampala, left a sombre note in the examination process.

However, amidst the challenges, there was a glimmer of resilience. One candidate gave birth to a baby girl on Thursday, October 19, and fortunately did not have an exam scheduled for that day. She quickly resumed her examination journey.

The victims have been identified as Edwin Wamutale and Celine Anne Namuwase

A warning against malpractice

In the face of these events, Musamba sternly warned against any involvement in examination malpractice. Unlawful possession of material related to UNEB examinations is an offense under the UNEB Act 2021, Section 25 (1).

This includes having such material on electronic devices like phones or laptops.

“Those found guilty could face a substantial fine or imprisonment, or both. The public was strongly advised to refrain from sharing digital content related to UNEB exams and encouraged to report any suspected malpractice to the authorities,” she said.