A total of 817,930 Primary Seven candidates are set to sit for the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) beginning November 3, according to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). The figure represents an increase from the 797,444 candidates who sat for the same exams last year.
Addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Jennifer Kalule, the UNEB Principal Public Relations Officer, revealed that this year’s candidates comprise 389,557 boys, representing 47.7 per cent, and 428,373 girls, accounting for 52.3 per cent, showing a continued dominance of female candidates in the national exams.
Kalule noted that all candidates will be officially briefed by their head teachers on October 31 before sitting for the Mathematics paper on November 3, followed by Social Studies and Religious Education the next day.
Kalule added that UNEB has also intensified its security measures ahead of the examinations, explaining that over the weekend, the Board briefed 150 Examination District Monitors, who will in turn train other field personnel, including head teachers, invigilators, scouts, and distributors.
Kalule warned the public against individuals masquerading as UNEB insiders or circulating alleged exam papers through WhatsApp groups and other online platforms.
“The Board would like to caution the public against masquerades claiming to have access to actual examination papers. Our surveillance teams are monitoring such groups, and anyone found participating will be held culpable,” she said.
In Oyam District, teachers and religious leaders are rallying candidates to remain focused as they prepare for the examinations. During a dedication prayer at Alworopii Primary School in Myene Sub-county, Rev. Fr. Edward Opio, Curate of Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish-Minakulu, urged pupils to uphold integrity and avoid exam malpractice.
Joan Ketty Apio, Head Teacher of Alworopii Primary School, expressed confidence in her pupils’ preparation.
Several pupils who spoke to journalists expressed determination to excel and secure a brighter future.
The Oyam District Education Officer, David Adea, affirmed that all schools are adequately prepared for the examinations, with measures in place to curb malpractice.
Meanwhile, ongoing Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations for Senior Four candidates have concluded their second week without any major incidents such as exam leakages or unauthorised access to papers.
UNEB confirmed that 17 candidates from the districts of Pallisa, Busia, and Koboko are sitting for exams while pregnant. One student from Millennium High School, Koboko, gave birth on October 17 during the Chemistry Paper II exam. We also reported one case of a girl who gave birth on the first day of examinations in Soroti District.
SOURCE: Uganda Radio Network
