As the final group of candidates for the 2025 UNEB examinations sat their remaining papers, the Uganda National Examinations Board reiterated a strong warning to school heads, invigilators, and all examination officials to desist from any form of malpractice.
This warning was reinforced through this year’s examination theme, “Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment.” UNEB said strict adherence to this theme was essential in safeguarding the integrity of the assessment process and protecting educators from actions that could lead to criminal prosecution, as already witnessed in recent incidents.
On Thursday, the Mengo Chief Magistrate’s Court remanded nine teachers accused of engaging in examination malpractice linked to the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations. According to UNEB senior legal officer Annet Kemaali, the Court presided over by Chief Magistrate Adams Byarugaba heard that the suspects created WhatsApp groups on November 3 and 4 where they allegedly circulated unauthorised materials claimed to be UNEB examination papers.
Kemaali noted that the suspects’ actions were in direct violation of Section 25 of the UNEB Act (CAP 259), which criminalizes the possession or sharing of unauthorised examination content, whether genuine or not. She expressed disappointment that even experienced educators were involved.
“One of the suspects has been a teacher for 20 years, yet still chose to engage in malpractice. This should be a lesson to all educators: examination integrity is non-negotiable,” she told journalists.
Police arrested nine of the eleven suspects in Nateete, while two others remain on the run. Three of the accused pleaded guilty and were remanded until November 25 for sentencing. The remaining six, who pleaded not guilty, were also remanded until the same date for the hearing of their bail applications.
Under Section 25 of the UNEB Act, a person found guilty faces a fine of up to Shs 20 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. UNEB emphasized that it would continue working with law enforcement to ensure a secure and credible examination process nationwide.
