As the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations commence, officials from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) have cautioned school heads, scouts and invigilators to uphold integrity and ensure the credibility of the examination process.
Speaking during a briefing of centre heads and scouts at Mukono police station, Chief Scout Matthias Mitti emphasised that examination malpractice poses a significant threat to the validity and reliability of the results issued by the Board.
“I want to take this opportunity to caution you to be vigilant so that the results we issue truly represent the ability of the candidates,” Mitti said. “You are aware that the ENOTE Act outlines serious offences and sanctions for examination malpractice, including fines of up to N20 million and a jail sentence of five years. So let us be cautious.”
He reminded heads of centres to adhere strictly to the UACE examination rules and regulations, referring specifically to page 22, which highlights the roles and responsibilities of centre heads.
“We have inspection teams that will be moving around to ensure that these rules are followed,” Mitti noted. “Gates must remain open to allow authorised officials access to the premises, and heads of centres must personally pick up question papers, oversee the opening and seating, and ensure safe return of scripts after each paper.”
Henry Serubiri, another UNEB official, also reminded supervisors and invigilators to handle exam materials carefully and avoid common logistical mistakes.
“A common mistake with the LFO is mixing return envelopes. For instance, a return envelope for History should not be used for Physics,” Serubiri said. “On the first day, work closely with indicators to ensure they understand the procedures.”
He further advised that absent candidates should be reported promptly so that UNEB can make the necessary arrangements.
“If you find that a registered candidate has not reported, let us know immediately,” he said. “Also, don’t transport papers on days when you have no exams scheduled. Be organised and coordinate well.”
Serubiri urged heads not to begin any examination session if some rooms lack invigilators, stressing that only chief indicators with official appointment letters are authorised to receive examination materials.
Area Supervisor Constantine Mpugga praised the consistent success of previous examination sessions and urged all personnel to maintain professionalism.
“Our previous students have been successful because of our diligence,” Mpugga said. “Let us continue to carry out our duties responsibly and ensure success in these examinations as well.”
At Romassa Secondary School, students expressed confidence and readiness for the UACE exams.
Najjuko Catherine, a candidate, said: “We are ready and strong. We are not going to panic. This is our year, and we must be proud of ourselves.”
Another candidate, Matisu Nixon, shared similar optimism: “We are well prepared and ready for the paper. I am sure we are going to find it easy today.”
The school’s head teacher, Hassan Ssozi, confirmed that the examinations began smoothly and on time. “The students are ready, the environment is calm, and everything has started without any disruption,” he said.
As the 2025 UACE examination season progresses, UNEB officials continue to emphasise integrity, vigilance, and professionalism to safeguard the credibility of Uganda’s national examinations.
