Security tightened as national exams start with warning against malpractice

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To ensure smooth and secure conduct, security has been tightened during the Uganda Certificate of Education examinations that started today, October 13, 2025. Information reaching New Vision Online indicates that 1,452 scouts, about 20,000 invigilators, and 546 security officers have been deployed across the country.

Speaking during the first joint press briefing held at the Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) spokesperson Jennifer Kalule-Musamba said the examinations have commenced smoothly across the country without any major disruptions.

“Today marks the beginning of the 2025 national examinations with UCE candidates writing their first paper, Geography Paper 1,” Kalule-Musamba said.

“We have had a successful start countrywide, without any major disruptions. The weather has been good, and we were able to deliver all examination materials to all stations in good time.”

The 2025 national examinations are being conducted under the theme: Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment. Kalule-Musamba explained that the theme reflects UNEB’s commitment not only to maintaining the integrity of exams but also to aligning with global trends in assessing learners’ abilities comprehensively.

“We continue to call upon all stakeholders to be keen on the security and sacredness of examinations. This is the only way to ensure that learners’ grades and certificates truly reflect their abilities,” she said. 

“The theme also recognises the importance of holistic assessment as a global trend in evaluating learners beyond traditional examinations.”

Over 432,000 candidates sit exams

According to UNEB figures, 432,159 candidates registered for the UCE examinations this year. Of these, 52.7% are females, while 47.3% are males.

Kalule-Musamba noted that 6,779 candidates have special needs and will receive the necessary assistance, including an extra 45 minutes to complete their papers. 

Among them, 28 are blind, 60 are deaf, 113 have low vision, and 73 have severe physical handicaps.

“Braille answer sheets and question papers have been provided for the blind, large print question papers for those with low vision, while the deaf have been assigned sign language interpreters,” she said. 

According to Kalule-Musamba: “Those with dyslexia or other reading and writing difficulties will be assisted by transcribers. A total of 190 personnel have been deployed to support these learners.”

Security

To ensure smooth and secure conduct of the examinations, UNEB has deployed 1,452 scouts, about 20,000 invigilators, and 546 security officers across the country.

“These teams will oversee the safe conduct of the examinations nationwide,” Kalule-Musamba said, adding that the Board appreciates the cooperation of teachers who attended last week’s briefing sessions and training engagements.

She, however, appealed to teachers not to link the ongoing industrial action to the supervision of national exams.

“We appeal to teachers not to tag their industrial action to the supervision of these end-of-cycle examinations. These are the same learners they have taught and nurtured over the years,” she urged.

Malpractice

Kalule-Musamba issued a strong warning against individuals and groups attempting to engage in examination malpractice or fraud.

“The public is cautioned against dealing with fraudsters who are trying to trick unsuspecting people with fake examination papers or materials,” she warned, adding that: “This includes online sharing or being in possession of any electronic or printed content purported to be UNEB examination material.”

She reminded the public that unauthorised possession of examination materials is an offence under Sections 24 and 25 of the UNEB Act, CAP 259, punishable by a fine of up to 1,000 currency points (sh20 million), imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Teachers, invigilators, scouts, or any other persons who assist or negligently allow candidates to cheat are also liable under Section 26 of the Act, with similar penalties upon conviction.

“Anyone found aiding or abetting examination malpractice will face the full force of the law,” she cautioned. “We encourage the public to report suspected malpractice through our toll-free lines: 0800-211-077 or 0800-111-427. Whistleblowers will be protected and compensated once their information is found useful.”