Kampala, Uganda – October 2025: The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has cautioned all teachers and exam supervisors against getting involved in political campaigns during the ongoing 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams.
The warning came from UNEB Executive Director, Dan Odongo, during the official start of the UCE exams. In a statement released by UNEB after the nationwide candidate briefing on October 10th, Odongo emphasized the need to keep politics away from the examination process.
“All those who are involved in supervising or handling exams must stay neutral and avoid any political activity,” he said. “We urge political leaders not to hold rallies on school grounds during this time. Let the candidates concentrate.”
The 2025 UCE exams have registered a record 432,159 candidates, up from 379,748 last year—a 12.1% increase. The exams are being conducted across 4,308 centres nationwide.
Teachers strike concerns in UCE exams
UNEB also responded to reports of a possible teachers’ industrial strike, saying that while they recognize the challenges teachers are facing, the exam process should not be disrupted.
“We ask our teachers not to tie the strike to these national exams,” Mr. Odongo appealed. “This is about the learners you’ve taught. Let us work together for a few more days to finish this process.”
UNEB praised the commitment of teachers who have already accepted to serve as invigilators, scouts, and supervisors, despite the tense atmosphere. “From our briefing sessions with chief scouts—who are mostly teachers—we are happy to see that many are ready to support this national duty,” Odongo noted.
Strong warning against malpractice
The UNEB boss also gave a serious warning against exam cheating and malpractice. He said that UNEB is partnering with police and other security agencies to ensure the integrity of the exams.
“We have already caught some individuals trying to sell fake exam papers. They have confessed, and investigations are ongoing,” he revealed.
He added that under the UNEB Act CAP 259, anyone caught leaking or accessing exam materials illegally faces a fine of up to 2,000 currency points (about UGX 40 million), or 10 years in prison, or both. This includes teachers, invigilators, and scouts who help students cheat or look the other way.
Support for special needs and USE students in UCE exams
Out of all registered candidates 154,637 students, 36% are supported by government through the Universal Secondary Education (USE) program, 241,246 are privately sponsored, and 679 students have special needs, and UNEB has hired 190 trained personnel to assist them during the exams.
Mr. Odongo encouraged students to be calm, follow instructions, and trust in their preparation. “This exam is not meant to fail you,” he said. “It is to help you discover your path in life. Believe in yourself and do your best.
