Kampala, Uganda – October 2025: The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has warned students, teachers, and parents to stay away from any form of cheating during the ongoing UCE 2025 exams.
In a statement released during the official start of the exams, UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo said the board is working with security officers to make sure the exams are safe and fair for all candidates.
“Examination malpractice threatens the fairness and credibility of our exams,” Mr. Odongo said. “We have already arrested individuals trying to circulate fake exam papers, and they have confessed.”
According to UNEB, the security of the exams is critical to maintaining trust in Uganda’s education system. The Board is closely monitoring schools, exam centres, and online platforms for any suspicious activity.
Heavy penalties for cheating
Odongo reminded the public that anyone caught trying to access, leak, or distribute exam papers illegally will face serious consequences under the UNEB Act, CAP 259. “Anyone who gains access to an exam paper before it’s officially released, or helps a student cheat, is committing a criminal offence,” he explained.
Under the law, offenders face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to 2,000 currency points (around UGX 40 million), or both. This includes students, teachers, invigilators, school heads, and even parents who may try to assist in cheating. The penalties apply even if the exam paper or material is fake.
Similarly, Section 26 of the Act also makes it clear that teachers and officials who fail to stop cheating, or help students to cheat, are equally liable.
“This year’s theme is about embracing security and holistic assessment in a changing environment,” Odongo noted, adding that this can only be achieved if every party plays its role honestly.
UCE 2025: Public cautioned against fraudsters
UNEB has also warned the public, especially parents and students, to avoid fraudsters pretending to sell genuine UNEB exams. “These conmen are only after your money,” Odongo said.
“Some people have already been tricked. Please report anyone claiming to have real UNEB exam papers,” he added confirming that security teams are active across the country and that several arrests have already been made.
UCE 2025: Teachers and schools reminded of their duty
While some schools and teachers have in the past been linked to helping students cheat, UNEB has reminded them that such actions will destroy the future of learners and risk permanent disqualification of both students and schools.
“We know that teachers want their students to pass, but cheating is not the way,” Odongo urged teachers to let learners succeed through their own effort.
“The best they can do is to brief their candidates properly and ensure that all rules are followed to the latter,” he added.
With over 432,000 students sitting for the 2025 UCE exams across 4,308 centres, UNEB says it is important that every candidate has a fair and equal chance. Out of these, 154,637 students are under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) program. 241,246 are privately sponsored. 679 special needs candidates are receiving extra support from trained UNEB personnel.
