New Vision Admin 
Uganda is set to conduct one of its largest national exams yet, as 817,885 Primary Seven pupils are scheduled to sit for the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The process begins today, Friday, October 31, with candidate briefings taking place at schools and exam centers nationwide. This year’s candidate count shows a 2.5% increase from 797,444 in 2024, reflecting a steady rise in primary school enrollment.
Dan N. Odongo, Executive Director of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), noted that this year’s exams will follow the theme: “Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment.” He also expressed gratitude to the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) for calling off their strike, highlighting that teachers’ presence is crucial for maintaining professionalism during the exams.
Of the total candidates, 389,529 are boys while 428,356 are girls, indicating a slightly higher female participation. Most students, 522,039 (64%), are under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, while 295,846 (36%) are privately funded. Among the candidates are 61 inmates from Upper Prison School, Luzira—seven females and 54 males—who will also take part in the national exams.
Special provisions have been made for 3,644 learners with special needs. This includes 33 blind students who will use braille question papers, 620 low-vision learners provided with large-print papers, 300 deaf candidates assisted by sign language interpreters, and 1,318 learners with dyslexia or severe physical challenges supported by transcribers. All these students will receive an additional 45 minutes per paper, with 1,505 personnel deployed to assist them.
UNEB has mobilized 59,890 staff members across the country to ensure smooth and secure exam administration. This team includes district monitors, scouts, chief invigilators, invigilators, and security personnel. Odongo emphasized that local governments are collaborating closely with UNEB to distribute exam materials, prevent malpractice, and supervise the process.
The board has issued a strict warning against cheating. Social media accounts attempting to sell fake PLE papers have been closed, and offenders face up to ten years in prison or fines of up to forty million shillings. Invigilators or scouts neglecting their responsibilities can also face prosecution, and schools found registering secondary students to impersonate PLE candidates risk losing their exam center status.
Odongo called on head teachers to personally guide students on discipline, honesty, and punctuality. Candidates are reminded to use blue or black ink, arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam, and note that anyone arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be allowed to sit. No teaching or coaching is permitted after the initial briefing.
Finally, the UNEB director encouraged students to remain calm and confident. “The questions are based on what you have learned over the years. Trust your preparation, follow the instructions carefully, and avoid external assistance. Parents, teachers, and community leaders should continue praying for the success of these learners,” he said, highlighting the importance of support from the entire community.
