The Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) has revealed that two Senior Four candidates experienced childbirth shortly before their Chemistry and Physics exams on Monday and Tuesday. This information was conveyed by Ms. Jenipher Kalule, the Uneb principal communications officer.
One of these candidates, originating from Kibaale District, gave birth to a healthy baby boy approximately one hour before her scheduled examination. Remarkably, she named her newborn after Uneb Executive Director Daniel Odongo and proceeded to complete her Physics paper.
“The candidates delivered at 8 am in the morning and shortly after, went to schools to write her next paper, scheduled for 9 am,” explained Ms. Kalule.
The second candidate, hailing from Gulu, underwent a Caesarean section on Monday night and, with great determination, appeared the following morning to write her Chemistry exam.
Addressing journalists at the Uneb headquarters, Mr. Odongo disclosed that these two cases bring the total number of candidates who have given birth since UCE exams began last week to three.
Notably, according to the examination guidelines, these candidates are eligible for an additional 45 minutes of examination time, a provision typically offered to special needs candidates. In the case of these young mothers, they are allowed to take a break during the examination to breastfeed their babies, as per Ms. Kalule.
Previously, some schools were denying pregnant candidates the opportunity to sit for their exams. However, following directives from the Ministry of Education last year, schools are now required to permit pregnant candidates to take their exams, provided they have registered for them. This policy aims to reduce the high school dropout rate among girls, which has been a significant challenge in the country.
The UCE candidates, who commenced their exams last week, are scheduled to take Biology in the morning and Agriculture Principles and Practices in the afternoon today. Their examinations will conclude on November 27.
