By The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has reported a record number of candidates sitting for the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, marking a major rise in post-secondary enrolment.
A total of 166,402 candidates have registered for this year’s exams, representing a 14.6 percent increase from last year’s 141,996. The candidates are writing their papers from 2,844 centers across the country.
According to UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo, the rise in candidature reflects growing confidence in the national assessment system and the increasing value placed on higher education.
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Out of the total candidates, 42,328 are sponsored under the Universal Post-Level Education and Training (UPOLET) programme, while 124,074 are privately sponsored. Females make up 44 percent (77,772) of the candidates, with 56 percent (93,630) being male.
The examinations officially began on Friday with the briefing of candidates and will continue from November 10 to December 5, 2025.
Odongo noted that the exams are being held under the theme, “Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment,” which emphasizes integrity and inclusiveness in assessment.
He warned against any attempts at examination malpractice, saying UNEB and security agencies are maintaining close surveillance throughout the process.
“Anyone caught engaging in malpractice will face severe penalties, including imprisonment of between five and ten years or fines of up to Shs40 million,” Odongo cautioned.
He added that invigilators and scouts who fail to prevent malpractice will also be prosecuted under Section 26(1)(g) of the UNEB Act, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.
The Board has already recorded about 55 cases of malpractice during the just-concluded PLE and UCE exams, with suspects due to appear in court soon. Members of the public have been encouraged to report any suspicious activity through UNEB’s toll-free lines.
Odongo thanked the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) for calling off its industrial action, allowing teachers to participate in the supervision of the Primary Leaving Examinations.
He urged candidates to remain disciplined and confident, reminding them that the questions are drawn from what they have covered over the years.
“Avoid anyone claiming to have access to the papers. Focus on your work and follow the rules,” he advised.
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