Pupils across Uganda began their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) on Monday, sitting for Mathematics and Social Studies, in what UNEB has described as a largely smooth start to the national exams.
According to Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, Principal Public Relations Officer at UNEB, “Day 1 of the PLE was conducted successfully throughout the country without major administrative challenges. In most areas, the weather was favorable, although a few places experienced delays due to rain disrupting the distribution of exam papers.”
Despite the smooth start, several cases of malpractice were reported. In Kabalagala, near Kampala where police arrested four people, including a scout and invigilators, for smuggling photocopies of Social Studies answers into the examination room. Similarly, in Kaliro, seven school officials were arrested for assisting candidates during the Mathematics paper.
In Bundibugyo, teachers reportedly disguised as cooks and cleaners were caught trying to pass answers to candidates in the toilets, while in Lira, the director of Caren Junior School was arrested for attempting to bribe examination staff. Other cases have been reported in Kumi, Kabale, and Kisoro.
Kalule-Musamba emphasized, “The Board has put in place strict security measures to prevent malpractice, and investigations are ongoing. We urge schools to adhere to the regulations and allow fair examination for all pupils.”
Pupils are set to continue their examinations today with Integrated Science and English, marking the final day of the PLE.
