Police warn politicians, public against disrupting PLE

KAMPALA - Police have cautioned politicians, campaign teams and the general public to avoid disrupting the two-day Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), which started today, November 3, 2025, across the country.

Addressing the media at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the national examinations coincide with a politically charged period, with ongoing presidential campaigns attracting large crowds and loud processions near schools.

“The Primary Seven candidates are sitting PLE today and tomorrow. The Uganda Police Force and other security agencies are responsible for securing the examination process,” Kituuma said, adding: "We urge everyone to ensure that the candidates complete their two-day examination schedule without disruption.”

Addressing the media at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the national examinations coincide with a politically charged period, with ongoing presidential campaigns attracting large crowds and loud processions near schools. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

He warned political candidates and their supporters to avoid holding rallies or playing loud music near examination centres, saying such actions could interfere with pupils’ concentration.

“We are in an election period, with presidential campaigns attracting large crowds and music. Some candidates may not have figured it out, but you really need to avoid putting your campaign near any school that is undergoing this exercise,” Kituuma cautioned. 

“We call upon all candidates to ensure that whatever you do during your campaign period factors in the fact that PLE students are doing their exams.”

A pupil leads colleagues in prayers before entering the examination room for their first PLE Mathematics exam. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Integrity of exams

The Police spokesperson further urged the public to refrain from any acts that may compromise the integrity of the examinations, including impersonation, malpractice or bribery.

“If you break the law in these exams, you will certainly end up in our hands,” he warned. This is a preventive communication because soon you will see some individuals being arrested for offences such as impersonation or attempting to influence exams.

The Police spokesperson further urged the public to refrain from any acts that may compromise the integrity of the examinations, including impersonation, malpractice or bribery. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Arrests made

Kituuma revealed that three suspects have already been arrested in Lira city for allegedly attempting to bribe a Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) scout with one million shillings.

The suspects were identified as George Odong, Simon  Ekut, and Awoko Laposia. Police said the trio was intercepted at Garden Motel in Lira, and that some exhibits were recovered. Investigations are ongoing.

The UNEB scout, based in Oyam district, was not named for security reasons. According to Kituuma, the Police are working closely with UNEB to ensure all examination centres remain safe and free from interference.

“We are taking these matters very seriously. The integrity of the national examination process must be protected,” he emphasised.