Students caught using AI to cheat in exams as teachers face arrest for leaking papers
Investigations suggest the scandal could involve a wider network, with the school's director suspected of orchestrating the illicit operation.
In a major crackdown, the Uganda Police Force in Kiira Division has arrested five teachers accused of leaking Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) papers through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
The suspects, facing charges under Section 25(i) of the UNEB Act, CAP 259, allegedly shared confidential exam content, including Maths, Science, Social Studies, and English papers.
Among the arrested are Mugaga Ramathan Male, 24, an invigilator at Kirinya C/U Primary School; Tumuhimbise Ronald, 40, a teacher at Kisoso Primary School; Otai Nelson, 31, from Nansana; and Katamba Richard, 40, and Kimanje Tom, 30, from Masaka City. Police reports reveal the suspects not only shared the leaked papers but also allegedly read answers aloud to students during the exams at Kisoso Primary School.
Investigations suggest the scandal could involve a wider network, with the school’s director suspected of orchestrating the illicit operation.
The teachers are expected to appear before the Kiira Magistrate’s Court on November 22 to face charges of unauthorized possession and dissemination of UNEB examination materials.
In a related incident, police in Masaka apprehended two female Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) candidates, Nabahinda Cecilia and Nakiyimba Grace, who were caught with smartphones during an afternoon exam. One reportedly used AI software to download an essay, while the other stored notes on her device.
These incidents underline the ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of Uganda’s examination system as authorities continue their efforts to combat cheating.
