Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has successfully commenced the maiden examination of the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC), with candidates sitting for their first paper, Mathematics Paper 1, nationwide.
The examination, which began at 9:00 a.m. today, marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s education sector, as it introduces a new curriculum aimed at enhancing the quality of education. According to UNEB, the examination has started smoothly, with no major challenges reported so far.
Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, UNEB’s Principal Public Relations Officer, reassured the nation that the board has adequately prepared to deliver this inaugural examination. “We have distributed and delivered examination materials to all our stations countrywide in good time. We applaud all our distributors and security teams.” she said.
This year’s examination is unique, as UNEB is conducting two sets of examinations simultaneously for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). The first set is for candidates following the new curriculum, while the second set is a transitional examination based on the old curriculum.
A total of 379,748 candidates are participating in the examinations, comprising 10,147 transitional candidates and 369,601 pioneers of the new curriculum. Notably, more females (54.7%) are registered for the transitional examination, while the new curriculum has a nearly equal male-to-female ratio.
The examinations are being administered at 4,168 centers across the country, including Upper Prison Luzira, where 28 inmates are sitting for the examination. Eight hundred and twenty-five (825) candidates are Special Needs Education (SNE) learners, with 38 of these sitting for the transitional examination.
UNEB has emphasized the importance of examination security and warned against malpractice. Over 1,200 scouts and 539 security personnel have been deployed nationwide to ensure the integrity of the examination process.
The public has been cautioned against dealing with fraudsters who may attempt to compromise the examination process.
“Our security teams have already caught up with Some of them. The Magistrate’s Court in Tororo last week remanded two of the suspected scammers to prison until 15th October, 2024.” Kalule highlighted
Kalule added, “The Board therefore sends out a strong warning to anyone with intentions to disrupt this year’s examinations by aiding and abetting malpractice, that our security teams are on high alert and will catch up with you.”
UNEB has also provided a toll-free line (0800-211-077) for reporting suspected malpractice. “Such a person shall be protected by our whistle blowers’ policy and shall be compensated once the information provided is found useful.” She said
Assisting or causing examination malpractice is a serious offense under Section 25(2), punishable by up to UGX 40 million fine, 10-year imprisonment, or both.
In light of the ongoing M-Pox outbreak, UNEB has reminded heads of centers to implement health guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease during the examination period.
“They should provide clean water and soap/ or hand sanitizers for washing hands outside the examination halls. They should also clean the publically used surfaces like desks as regularly as possible.” She emphasized
Heads of centers have also been advised to address school fees balances to avoid disrupting the examination process. “Now that examinations have started, we request Head Teachers to avoid the act of blocking candidates from accessing the examination rooms or pulling them out due to fees balances.” She outlined
“The Board will work with schools to put in place measures to assist them recover their fees at the time of release of results.” She added
Kalule also warned against acts of indiscipline and reminded candidates that the examination is not an end in itself but a means to help them progress in their career paths.
UNEB has reassured candidates that with thorough preparation and hard work, they have what it takes to excel in this examination.
“As UNEB, we re-commit to conducting Valid, Reliable, Equitable, and Ouality Assessment of Learner’s Achievement in a Professional and Innovative Manner, and Award Internationally Recognized Certificates.”
The candidates will be writing their Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon.
