UNEB gets new board ahead of S4 results release

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The education ministry has inaugurated a 13-member governing board to oversee the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) functions for the next three years.

The board, whose first task will be to release the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) expected this week, has also been entrusted with ensuring they eliminate examination malpractice and roll out a competence-based assessment not just at O-level, but also at primary school and A-level.

The board will be headed by Prof. Celestino Obua as chairperson, who will be serving the second term at the helm.

The other members are Dr Cleophus Mugenyi, replacing Ismael Mulindwa (retired) as the ministry’s head of basic and secondary education, recently. Frances Atima, the head of Education Standards at the ministry, will also serve a second term.

Dr Bernadette Nambi, the new director of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), replaces her predecessor, Dr Grace Baguma, who retired recently.

Counsel Jeffrey Atwine from the Attorney General’s office has also replaced Kodoli Wanayama on the UNEB governing board.

The other new entrant is Hajjat Zulaika Nabukeera, the Headteacher of Nabisunsa Girls Secondary School, who represents secondary schools on the board, replacing Bro. Dr Augustine Mugabo, the former Headteacher of St Henry’s College Kitovu, who recently sought early retirement.

Beatrice Asimasia Adiru, the headteacher of Arua Hill Primary School, will represent primary schools on the board, replacing Suzan Nabaggala, while Harriet Nabusoba Sebabi will represent the Public Service Commission.

The list also includes Hajji Mohammed Kaaya from the Education Service Commission, Dr Rose Clarke Nanyonga representing universities, Juma Mulesa for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and Patrick Kaboyo representing the proprietors of private schools.

First Lady defends board composition

First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports Mrs Janet Museveni defended the composition of the UNEB Board membership, noting that, “It is diverse, representing various stakeholders, including government, universities, other education institutions and agencies and PWDs.”

Minister Muyingo. (Courtesy)

In her message delivered by the higher education state minister, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, Mrs Museveni explained that this diversity in representation is essential because the assessment and certification work of UNEB is of concern to all stakeholders.

She added that the board has been entrusted with the responsibility of providing strategic direction, ensuring sound governance, and safeguarding the autonomy and integrity of the examination process.

She asked the Board to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct, while working closely with management to improve service delivery and institutional efficiency.

“The role of UNEB in our education system cannot be overstated. Examinations remain a critical instrument for assessing learning outcomes, guiding educational policy, and ensuring fairness and merit in academic progression and certification. The credibility of this institution directly affects public trust in our education system and, by extension, national development,” she said in her speech delivered by Muyingo.

In an era of rapid technological change and evolving educational demands, the Minister noted that the Board must be forward-looking.

Issues such as examination security, digital transformation, inclusiveness, and alignment with national education goals require innovative thinking and decisive leadership, according to Mrs Museveni.

“I encourage you to embrace reforms that enhance efficiency while preserving the credibility and fairness for which this institution must always stand,” she added.

The First Lady lauded the outgoing board for its achievements, such as being strict on examination malpractice, its oversight during the implementation of the Competence-Based Assessment (CBA), which was a new reform arising from the introduction of the new Lower Secondary Curriculum. 

“Also, cases of examination malpractice tremendously reduced during your time, which has ensured the credibility of the examination results,” Mrs Museveni said.

Obua shared that the outgoing board consolidated the e-registration, which has made registration and release of candidates fast and efficient, and printing of personalised results slips with photos of the owner.

“As a new board, our first task will be to ensure that we release the UCE within time. We are waiting for the First Lady and our minister (Mrs Museveni) to give us the date for briefing and then she will approve the date for release,” he said.