The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the 2024 national examination timetable, setting the stage for a significant year with the introduction of the first cohort of candidates under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC). This year’s exams mark a major transition in Uganda’s education system, especially with the integration of new assessment methods for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE).
A total of 1,320,400 candidates are registered to sit for the exams in 2024, representing a 7.8% increase from 2023. Of these, 379,620 candidates will take the UCE exams, 798,763 are registered for the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), and 142,017 candidates will sit for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo highlighted the significance of this year’s exams, particularly the introduction of the NLSC. He explained that students sitting for UCE will be assessed through both the old and new curricula. The new system focuses on a mix of continuous assessment and end-of-cycle exams, while the transitional UCE allows students from the old curriculum one last opportunity to complete their studies under the previous framework.
“This is the first time UNEB is examining candidates for the Uganda Certificate of Education under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum,” Odongo stated. He emphasized that the shift in assessment methods aims to test a broader range of competencies through various approaches, including projects and continuous assessments.
The PLE and UACE have also seen increases in candidate numbers this year, with both levels recording significant growth in participants. In total, 698,808 candidates are benefiting from government funding under the Universal Education Programs.
UNEB has introduced new subjects and modalities as part of the broader changes to the curriculum. Uganda Sign Language (USL) and Physical Education are among the new subjects being assessed for the first time, reflecting UNEB’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in education. According to Odongo, 72 pioneer candidates are set to take the USL exam, a step that demonstrates the board’s dedication to ensuring that all students, including those with special needs, have equal opportunities to succeed.
In addition to the new subjects, UNEB has implemented measures to prevent malpractice and ensure the integrity of the exams. Odongo stressed the importance of maintaining the credibility of the examination process, noting that any involvement in cheating could result in severe consequences. “Any involvement in examination malpractice in one paper will result in the cancellation of the entire exam,” he warned.
To safeguard the examination process, UNEB has set strict guidelines for schools, candidates, and examination centers. Schools are required to submit Continuous Assessment (CA) scores by October 30, 2024, using an online portal. Additionally, Heads of Centers must display candidate registers by October 10, 2024, to allow students to verify their registration details.
Regarding the logistics of exam distribution, UNEB clarified recent misunderstandings. While motorcycles may be used to transport exam papers, boda boda riders will not be tasked with the role of distributing them, as this practice has been linked to past instances of malpractice.
UNEB has also committed to providing adequate support for candidates with special needs, including the provision of Braille timetables for visually impaired students. The board’s priority is to ensure that every student, regardless of their circumstances, has fair access to education and the necessary resources to succeed.
UNEB is calling on all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and candidates, to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination process as the exams are scheduled to begin on October 11, 2024. Odongo reiterated that the success of the exams depends on the cooperation of everyone involved, and UNEB remains determined to uphold the credibility of Uganda’s education system.
