PLE 2025: The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has reported an improvement in performance at the Grade One pass level, noting that more candidates have qualified to proceed to the next level or cycle of education compared to 2024.
“I have no doubt that, given the Government’s continued efforts to expand access to post-primary education, all the 730,000 learners who were graded and passed will secure placement in secondary and vocational institutions,” said Prof. Celestino Obua, Chairperson of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), during the release of the exams on Friday at State House Nakasero.
A total of 817,883 candidates from 15,388 examination centres sat for the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), up from 797,444 candidates in 2024. Of these, 522,036 learners (63.8%) were Universal Primary Education (UPE) beneficiaries, while 295,847 (36.2%) were non-UPE candidates.
Prof. Obua, however, noted that the level of absenteeism has remained low over the past two years. “Candidature has continued to rise, while absenteeism has remained steady at 1.3 percent over the last two years. However, any drop-out is a cause for concern. I trust that the Permanent Secretary and her team have since been able to establish some of the underlying causes, as was promised,” he said.
Dr. Dan Odongo, Executive Director of UNEB, praised the quality of the examination papers, saying that many examiners and curriculum specialists engaged commended the overall quality of the examination papers administered.
“The papers clearly reflected the paradigm shift towards competency-based learning, with questions designed to assess learners’ ability to apply knowledge and skills,” he said.
He however, raised that some teachers have not fully adjusted their teaching approaches to align with this shift. As a result, many candidates experienced difficulty responding to questions that required the application of knowledge, especially in relation to their communities and the country at large.
Dr. Odongo also warned about misleading materials from unofficial examination bureaus, noting that such materials were misleading and adversely affected candidates’ preparedness and performance.
Prof. Obua, in addition emphasized the need for continued teacher support.
“From the findings, the Board has formed the view that teachers require substantial capacity-building support to enable them to effectively interpret the curriculum and adapt their teaching approaches accordingly. Subject to the availability of funds, this intervention—modest as it may be—will be sustained as a contribution to complementary initiatives undertaken by the Ministry,” he said.
UNEB reports fewer prison inmates sat exams
According to Dr. Dan Odongo, 61 candidates were registered at Uganda Government Upper Prison School, Luzira, down from 71 in 2024. Out of these, 58 sat the exams while three were absent. Of those who sat, 4 scored Division 1, 27 Division 2, 13 Division 3, 5 Division 4, and 9 were ungraded.
At Mbarara Main Prison Inmates Primary School, 40 candidates were registered, with 39 sitting the exams and one absent. The results showed 7 Division 1, 15 Division 2, 10 Division 3, 5 Division 4, and 2 ungraded.
In total, 99 prison inmates sat for the PLE in 2025, compared to 111 in 2024. Despite the drop in numbers, Dr. Odongo praised the determination of the learners. “These candidates have shown resilience and determination. Education is key to rehabilitation and personal growth, and we encourage institutions to continue supporting them,” he said.
Across the country, a total of 817,883 candidates from 15,388 examination centres sat for the 2025 PLE, up from 797,444 candidates in 2024. Of these, 522,036 learners (63.8%) were Universal Primary Education (UPE) beneficiaries, while 295,847 (36.2%) were non-UPE candidates.
Collection of PLE 2025 Results
Dr. Odongo said results for each examination centre will be uploaded to the Centre Portal and may be downloaded immediately upon official release.
In addition, he said District, Municipal, and City Inspectors of Schools may collect hard copies of the results from the UNEB offices at Ntinda starting Monday, 2nd February 2026.
“Parents, candidates, and other interested parties may also access results through the Short Messaging Service (SMS) available on MTN and Airtel mobile networks. Once the correct procedure is followed, candidates’ results will be sent instantly to their mobile phones,” he added.
