Over 80,000 candidates begin UBTEB exams

EDUCATION

A total of 80,306 candidates have this morning, commenced their Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) exams.  

The exams, to be conducted in two phases, will see students examined across various disciplines.

The growth in numbers of students opting for business, technical courses has also led to the expansion of examinations centres, from 525 centres in 2018 to 572 in 2019.

Onesmus Oyesigye, the board's executive secretary said the examinations involves both practical and written examinations for both Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificate (primary seven leavers) and National Certificate Technical and Vocational examinations in the first phase ending on November 29.

The second phase that commences from November 29 to December 17, is for candidates who registered for the National Certificate and Diploma programmes in agriculture, humanities, business, cooperatives, fisheries, meteorology, wildlife, lands and survey as well as technical diplomas.

Oyesigye who was speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, said a significant number of candidates 31%, had been registered to sit this year's exams, as compared to last year's 61,253 candidates.

He attributed it to the positive trend in the conduct of assessment as well as the new modularised programmes that were developed by the National Curriculum Development Centres.

Dr. Nahamya Karukuza, the deputy Executive Director in charge of examinations management, said new measures have been employed to ensure candidates seating any exams do not engage in cheating.

"Initially, we would cancel the paper of the candidate who was caught cheating, copying or smuggling exam material to the exam room. However, when we get someone cheating this time round, we shall cancel individual's whole semester results and have them start afresh," Nahamya said.

Should a candidate be caught cheating the second time, they shall be dismissed, according to Nahamya.