Allow PLE pupils write the examinations -commissioner

PLE

Headteachers and teachers have been told not to block any Primary seven pupils from writing their examinations.

The warning was sounded by the commissioner, Basic Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), Dr. Tony Mukasa Lusamba.

"You miss the examinations if you die. But you must sit for their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). I implore you, teachers, to ensure that all the pupils write their PLE, "he said. He told teachers from 30 Kampala public and private schools, during the dedication prayers for the candidates who are expected to write their examinations in a weeks' time.

"We have come up with a new directive as MoES, no school will be allowed to stop any candidate from sitting their examinations even if you find them pregnant," Lusamba explained.

Lusambu said although the pupils have not completed their school fees; even if they lose their parents please allow them to write their examinations and the bad news will come later

He also cautioned the school headteachers from cheating for the pupils, saying that their centers will be canceled and they will not be able to operate again.

About 300,000 pupils in Kampala are expected to write their examinations on the 4 and 5 November, at about 400 Centres which have been cleared by KCCA.

The Director Education Services, KCCA Juliet Namuddu said all is set for the pupils to sit their examinations. KCCA is working with the MoES, the police and invigilators to ensure that the pupils receive their examinations on time.

She warned parents and teachers not to engage in malpractices saying that their centres will be permanently canceled and the pupil's future with be disturbed.

"The teachers have prepared you well and I do not expect any cheating from any school "I do not want your schools to have the same problem like we had last time when some three pupils had their examinations channeled, these pupils had to redo their examinations," she said.

She tipped the pupils on time management, eating the right food, sleeping early and having enough sleep.

Leaders from the Anglican church, Catholic and Islamic faith prayed for the pupils and advised them to pray, be confident, trust and believe in God to make a breakthrough. 

"Be confident, patient, trust, have faith, keep time, and stay out of trouble," Father Deogratius Kiibi Kateregga during his sermon told the pupils.

A total of 695,468 candidates have been registered to sit the PLE, the majority of this lot are UPE-funded: 475,852.