The 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) officially kicked off on Friday with the briefing of candidates at various schools and sitting centres across the country.
The examinations are being conducted under the theme “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment.”
According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), a total of 817,885 candidates have registered this year, up from 797,444 in 2024, a 2.5 percent increase. Of these, 428,356 (52%) are girls, while 389,529 (48%) are boys.
Out of the total candidature, 522,039 (64%) are under the government’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme, while 295,846 (36%) are privately sponsored.
UNEB Executive Director Dan N. Odongo expressed gratitude to the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) for calling off their industrial action to allow teachers to participate in invigilation.
“The PLE is the first national examination in the lives of our children. The results must come from a fair process,” Mr. Odongo said, adding that teachers’ involvement ensures integrity and credibility in the exams.
Special Needs Support
This year, 3,644 candidates with special learning needs will sit the exams. UNEB has prepared braille question papers for 33 blind candidates, large-print papers for 620 learners with low vision, and sign language interpreters for 300 deaf candidates.
Another 1,318 learners with dyslexia or severe physical impairments will be assisted by transcribers, while all special needs candidates will receive 45 extra minutes per paper. UNEB has deployed 1,505 support staff to ensure smooth facilitation for these learners.
Tight Security and Deployment
A total of 59,890 field personnel have been deployed to oversee the PLE nationwide. The team includes 160 district monitors, 13,841 scouts, 12,260 chief invigilators, 33,105 invigilators, and 524 security officers.
UNEB called for continued cooperation between district officials and education officers to guarantee a malpractice-free examination.
Odongo urged Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) to promptly process invigilator payments and ensure safe distribution of papers. He applauded districts that have taken firm action against schools previously involved in malpractice.
Warning Against Exam Malpractice
The UNEB boss warned individuals against engaging in examination malpractice, saying offenders will face prosecution under the UNEB Act, Cap 259.
Security agencies have already arrested suspects accused of collecting money online in exchange for fake exam papers. Offenders face up to 10 years in jail or fines of Shs 40 million, or both.
Invigilators and scouts found negligent may also face up to five years in prison or fines of Shs 20 million.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected malpractice through UNEB’s toll-free numbers 0800-111-427 or 0800-211-077. Whistleblowers will be protected under UNEB’s Whistleblower Policy.
Guidelines for Candidates
Head teachers are expected to brief candidates on examination rules, including the prohibition of unauthorized materials, impersonation, copying, and late coming.
Candidates are reminded to write using blue or black ink, except for diagrams which may be done in pencil. They are required to arrive at their centres at least 30 minutes before the start of each paper.
UNEB emphasized that no further teaching or coaching is allowed after today’s briefing. Parents have been encouraged to attend the sessions to support their children.
Encouragement to Candidates
In his closing remarks, Odongo assured candidates that the exams are based on content covered during their primary education and urged them to remain calm and confident.
“Anyone who tries to assist you during the examination will only cause your results to be cancelled. Be confident and trust in what you have learned,” he said.
He also called on parents, teachers, and religious leaders to continue praying for the success of all candidates.
“May God bless our candidates, all those involved in the conduct of the examination, and our country,” he added.
