In an unfolding situation, three headteachers have been taken into custody by the police on allegations of exam misconduct during the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) Exam 2023. The arrests occurred across different districts in Uganda.
Mukono District: Paul Mukasa SS Headteacher Arrested
The headteacher of Paul Mukasa Secondary School in Kalagi, Mukono district, was apprehended by the police. He is suspected of electronically sharing information that was claimed to be a UNEB examination paper. The incident took place on October 18, 2023.
The headteacher’s identity is currently undisclosed. Still, it is alleged that he received a sealed envelope, which supposedly contained the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) mathematics exam. However, upon inspection by exam candidates and invigilators, it became apparent that the envelope had been tampered with, leading to the headteacher’s arrest.
Kwania district Police commander Charles Mugisha confirmed the arrest, stating that an investigation into the matter has already commenced.
Bushenyi District: Kanyabwanga Secondary School Headteacher Arrested
In Bushenyi, the headteacher of Kanyabwanga Secondary School is also in police custody. He is accused of sharing an image that was purported to be an examination material for the UNEB Biology Practical Paper 2023. The alleged sharing of this content occurred on social media platforms for headteachers.
According to reports, the case has been sanctioned at the magistrate’s court in Bushenyi, and the suspect was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
Kampala: African Pearl Secondary School Chief Invigilator Arrested
Additionally, in Kampala, the chief invigilator at African Pearl Secondary School, located in Kabalagala, Makindye Division, was arrested on suspicion of providing external assistance to chemistry students during the practical examination of Chemistry Paper 3 on October 17, 2023. A handwritten piece of paper with suspected answers to the practical paper was found in the examination room where the chief invigilator was supervising.
In a statement from UNEB, it was confirmed that the UCE Exam 2023 began smoothly, with candidates starting with Geography Paper One. Jennifer Kalule Musamba, the principal public relations officer for the Uganda National Examinations Board, commented that the exams have proceeded without significant issues in most parts of the country.
It’s crucial to highlight that Section 28 of the UNEB ACT 2021 deems damaging an examination paper, examination material, or engaging in any form of examination malpractice as an offense. Individuals found guilty of such actions could face a fine not exceeding one thousand currency points, equivalent to twenty million shillings, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, as outlined by the Act.
