The Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations for 2025 officially commenced on Friday with the mandatory briefing of candidates across the country, marking the start of the national examination calendar.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) confirmed that a record total of 437,559 candidates are expected to sit for the UCE, representing a significant increase from the 379,746 candidates registered last year. The Board highlighted the increase in female candidates, who constitute the total, while males account for.
Candidates, who were briefed by their Head Teachers from 4,308 centres, were taken through the instructions, the timetable, and the governing rules and regulations.
The Board announced it is maintaining last year’s examination theme: “Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment.”
UNEB Addresses Teachers’ Strike and Political Rallies
In the press statement released, UNEB also addressed key threats that could potentially disrupt the smooth conduct of the examinations.
The Board expressed concern over potential industrial action, noting “the concerns of the teachers leading to the industrial action.” However, they stressed the importance of cooperation.
“The Board takes note of the concerns of the teachers leading to the industrial action,” the statement read, adding a direct appeal: “We ask for their indulgence to accept and join us for a few days of the conduct of the examinations and ensure that our candidates sit their final examinations without any disruption.”
Furthermore, UNEB issued a stern caution against the politicisation of the examination period, warning contract staff against active involvement in political campaigns and calling on political aspirants to maintain distance from examination centres.
The Board cautioned: “The Board further calls upon political aspirants to avoid carrying out political rallies from school play grounds so as not to destabilise the candidates writing their examinations.”
Assessment Focus on Achievement
The Board sought to reassure candidates and parents about the true purpose of the exams. The Executive Director, Dan N. Odongo, emphasised that the examination is not intended as a barrier to progress.
“Finally, we would like to stress that the purpose of the examination is to assess the candidates’ level of achievement and not to fail the learners,” the statement concluded. “This examination is not an end in itself. It is simply meant to align the candidates to their career paths.”
UNEB also confirmed that 169 candidates are registered under the Special Needs Education (SNE) category, who will be supported by 290 specialised personnel. The candidates are urged to follow instructions and “write and pass their examination.”