Today, 798,763 candidates across Uganda are set to sit for their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), a critical national assessment that marks the culmination of primary education.
According to Ms. Jenifer Kalule, the spokesperson for the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb), students were briefed on Monday to prepare for the exams by their head teachers and invigilators.
Exam Schedule: Mathematics and Social Studies on Day One, Science and English on Day Two
The PLE exams are scheduled over two days. Today, candidates will sit for the Mathematics paper in the morning, followed by Social Studies and Religious Education in the afternoon.
Tomorrow, November 7, students will complete their assessments with Integrated Science in the morning and English in the afternoon.
Demographics: A Gender-Balanced Group of Test-Takers
Of the 798,763 candidates registered for the PLE, a slight majority are female, with 419,357 females compared to 379,414 males.
This distribution highlights an ongoing trend toward gender balance in Ugandan primary education.
Special Accommodations for Candidates with Special Needs
Among the candidates, 3,295 students fall under the special needs category, comprising 1,677 females and 1,618 males.
These students will receive tailored support as per Uneb regulations, including an additional 45 minutes to complete each paper. Special accommodations will also include:
- Braille Answer Sheets for blind students
- Large Print Question Papers for those with poor vision
- Sign Language Interpreters for candidates with hearing impairments
- Transcribers for students facing reading and writing challenges, such as dyslexia
Ms. Kalule confirmed that these provisions are in place to ensure that every candidate has the necessary support for an equitable testing environment.
Schools Ready to Administer Exams
School administrators across Uganda have prepared extensively to ensure a smooth testing experience.
Mr Emmanuel Were, the head teacher of Kings Primary School in Lubowa, expressed confidence in the readiness of his students and the school’s exam setup.
“I did the briefing with my team and have since finished organizing the rooms where the candidates are going to sit. Uneb has also given us the required documents, including attendance sheets and albums. Learners are ready and relaxed, just waiting for the day,” he said on November 5.
Distribution of Examination Materials Completed
Uneb Executive Director Daniel Odongo confirmed that all examination materials have been distributed to the designated centers across the country.
This logistical preparation aims to facilitate a seamless examination process for all candidates.
Warnings Against Examination Malpractice
To uphold the integrity of the exams, Uneb has issued strict warnings against any form of examination malpractice.
Heads of schools, parents, and teachers have been advised to refrain from engaging in activities that could lead to cancellation of results.
Ms. Kalule noted that Uneb has taken additional measures to prevent malpractice by partnering with various security agencies.
“We have deployed more than 13,000 scouts and nearly 600 security personnel, including undercover officers. These teams will ensure the safe and fair conduct of examinations nationwide,” she said.
Public Cautioned Against Fraudsters and Unauthorized Materials
The public is advised to beware of fraudsters attempting to sell fake examination materials. Uneb has reminded the public that unauthorized possession of any content alleged to be from Uneb examinations is illegal.
Ms Kalule stated, “Anyone found with such content, whether it is the correct exam paper or not, commits an offence under sections 24 and 25 of the Uneb Act, CAP 259.”
Under this act, those found guilty are liable for fines up to one thousand currency points (equivalent to 20 million shillings), imprisonment up to five years, or both.
A Commitment to Fairness and Security
With Uneb’s efforts to secure exam integrity and accommodate all candidates’ needs, the Primary Leaving Examinations represent a significant moment for Uganda’s young learners.
The collaborative effort between educational authorities, school administrators, and security agencies demonstrates a unified commitment to ensuring that every child has a fair opportunity to succeed in their academic pursuits.
