The Church of Uganda has launched the Provincial Examinations Agency, which is aimed at improving the performance of pupils and students in church-aided schools in Uganda.

The provincial examinations agency was launched on March 1 by the Archbishop of Church Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu at Mengo Senior School in Kampala.

Bishops Nathan Ahimbisibwe and Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira of South Ankole Diocese and Namirembe Diocese, respectively, attended the launch.

Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziima prays for a partaker of holy communion during the launch of the Provincial Examinations Agency at Mengo Senior School on March 1, 2023. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

Dr Charles Kahigiriza, the head teacher of Ndejje Senior Secondary School, said the new examinations agency will be supervised by the Directorate of Education of Church of Uganda.

He said the agency will set exams for its pupils and students before sitting the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examinations.

On his part, Archbishop Kaziimba urged head teachers to stand firm and not to be greedy for money even if approached by donors.

“Let’s stand firm under difficult situations," he said.

"Your setback can be your comeback. God is bigger than our problems."

The head teacher of Mengo Senior School, Grace Nantagya Ssebanakita (L) interacts with his Gayaza Junior School counterpart, Sarah Tebugulwa, after the launch of Provincial Examinations Agency at Mengo Senior School on March 1, 2023. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

During the launch of the new agency, head teachers from different schools were awarded certificates for improved performance in the 2022 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE).

The results of the 2022 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams will be released this Friday.