Public tip-offs help UNEB uncover suspected exam malpractice
UNEB noted that many of the arrests made during this examination period resulted from reports made by whistleblowers from the community.
Jennifer Kalule, UNEB’s public relations officer. (File photo)
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The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has praised the public for their collective efforts in maintaining the integrity and sanctity of the ongoing examinations.
UNEB noted that many of the arrests made during this examination period resulted from reports made by whistleblowers from the community.
“As a board, we highly appreciate the public for their support. A number of arrests have been made by the security agencies pertaining to Primary Leaving Examination (PLE). For instance, at Prince Junior School, Gayaza, three people were arrested, including the school director, who was also acting as the head of Centre, Hajat Lazier Nassanga,” stated Jennifer Kalule, UNEB’s public relations officer, on their Twitter account on November 4, 2026.
According to Kalule, Nassanga collaborated with a scout from Kayunga, identified as Margaret Nakabirwa, to remove one examination paper from the set. They photocopied this paper and provided it to the mathematics teacher, identified as Mutibwa, to prepare answers for the candidates.
Additionally, in Kamwokya, Kalule revealed that three individuals were arrested for providing external assistance to candidates at Holmesdallen Primary School. Among those arrested were the deputy headteacher, the director of studies, two invigilators, and an impersonator who claimed to be a UNEB scout.
In Butaleja, a scout deployed at Mango Grove Junior School in Busolwe was found in possession of examination papers in his pockets. He is currently in police custody in Butaleja while investigations continue.
This year, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) registered a total of 1,627,885 candidates, reflecting an increase of 211,437 candidates (14.9%) compared to last year’s total of 1,416,448. Among the candidates, 52% were female, and 48% were male.
Additionally, UNEB reports that 52% of the total candidates are funded by the government under the Universal Education programs for both primary and secondary levels. Of all candidates, 6,090 are Special Needs Education (SNE) learners.
The timetable for the 2026 examinations indicates that the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) took place from November 3 to November 4, 2026, while the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams were held from October 8 to November 3.
Dan Odongo, the Executive Director of UNEB, recently stated, "The board has registered a total of 1,627,885 candidates.
This is an increase of 211,437 (14.9%) compared to last year’s candidate count of 1,416,448. Of these, 52% are female, and 48% are male.
Moreover, 52% of the total candidates are sponsored by the government under the Universal Education program for primary and secondary levels, and 6,090 are Special Needs Education learners."
According to UNEB, the UCE and PLE exams have concluded successfully without any major challenges. All examination materials were received on time, and the distribution to examination centres was well-coordinated by various local governments.