A total of 166,402 candidates across Uganda are today sitting for the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, which mark the final phase of this year’s national examination cycle.
According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb), this figure represents a 14.6 percent increase from 141,996 candidates who sat for the same exams in 2024. The candidates are writing their papers in 2,844 centres nationwide.
Of the total, 42,328 candidates (25 percent) are funded by the government under the Universal Post-O-Level Education and Training programme, while 124,074 (75 percent) are privately sponsored. The gender breakdown shows 93,630 males (56 percent) and 77,772 females (44 percent) sitting the exams. Uneb Executive Director Dan Odongo said the Board has stepped up security and integrity measures to ensure smooth conduct of the examinations, which run from November 10 to December 5.
‘Security agencies have already arrested several culprits who attempted to engage in malpractice during PLE and UCE,’ Mr Odongo said last Friday.
‘They will remain on the lookout throughout the UACE examinations to protect the integrity of the process,’ he added.
Warning from Uneb
Uneb has warned of severe penalties for anyone caught cheating or facilitating malpractice. Under the Uneb Act, CAP 259, offenders face five to 10 years in prison, fines between Shs20m and Shs40m, or both. Invigilators and scouts who allow malpractice are also liable to prosecution under Section 26(1)(g) of the Act, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison upon conviction.
The UACE examinations come shortly after the completion of the Uganda Certificate of Education exams, which ran for four weeks and ended last week. The PLE was conducted earlier from November 3 to 4.
Mr Odongo urged the public to report any suspicious activities and called on all stakeholders; teachers, parents, and local leaders, to support the candidates through guidance and encouragement. ‘You have what it takes to pass this examination,’ he told the candidates. He cautioned candidates against being deceived by individuals claiming to have access to leaked exam papers or offering illegal assistance during exams, warning that such acts could lead to disqualification and cancellation of results.
Uneb officials have emphasised that the Board’s focus this year is on integrity, transparency, and fairness. Mr Odongo reaffirmed that security personnel will continue to work closely with district supervisors and invigilators to ensure compliance with examination guidelines. ‘Please remain disciplined, confident, and follow instructions. We pray for God’s blessing upon all candidates and everyone involved in the conduct of the examinations,’ he said.