Arrests Made in Ongoing UCE Exams for Examination Malpractice

In a series of troubling incidents during the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, police and security agencies have arrested several suspects involved in examination malpractice across the country.

In Nagalama, the headteacher of Paul Mukasa S.S. in Kalagi was arrested for electronic sharing of information purported to be a UNEB examination paper. This illicit activity involved extorting money from unsuspecting individuals, leading to pending charges of aiding and abetting malpractice in court.

Similarly, in Mitooma, a Swahili teacher from Kanyabwanga Secondary School, Tumusime Dominic, was taken into custody for sharing an image alleged to be an examination material for a UNEB Biology Practical paper for 2023 on a school teachers’ forum. The prompt response came after the headteacher reported the case, and the suspect was set to appear in court after the magistrate’s court in Bushenyi sanctioned the charges.

Under Section 28 of the UNEB Act 2021, tampering with examination materials is a punishable offense, with potential fines of up to one thousand currency points (Twenty Million Shillings) a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.

Nevertheless, despite these setbacks, according to the UNEB officials, the UCE examinations have, for the most part, proceeded smoothly across the country, offering candidates a fair opportunity to showcase their knowledge. Biology (Practical) and Commerce exams are next on the agenda, as authorities remain vigilant to maintain the integrity of the testing process.