UNEB Exams Start: Schools warned cheating in one paper could cancel candidates’ entire exam results
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo said four people had been arrested over the circulation of fake examination papers on social media and alleged extortion of money from unsuspecting victims, particularly schools.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has warned schools and candidates against examination malpractice as 503,055 learners prepare to sit the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, a 16.4% increase from last year.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo said four people had been arrested over the circulation of fake examination papers on social media and alleged extortion of money from unsuspecting victims, particularly schools.
The suspects will be charged under the UNEB Act and the Penal Code, while schools have been cautioned against engaging with fraudsters claiming to possess examination papers.
The warning comes as the 2026 end-of-cycle examinations officially commenced on October 8, with UCE candidates scheduled to begin writing their papers on October 12.
In a statement, Odongo urged headteachers to personally brief candidates on examination rules, regulations and the consequences of malpractice, warning that cheating in one paper could result in the cancellation of results for the entire examination.
He said UNEB had established that irregularities often arose when candidates received inadequate or no briefing before examinations.
“The briefing of candidates is a very important exercise which MUST be carried out by the Headteachers themselves,” Odongo said, urging school administrators not to delegate the responsibility.
Parents who are able to attend the briefing sessions were also encouraged to do so.
Female candidates maintain majority
The 2026 UCE candidature has increased from 432,165 candidates in 2025 to 503,055, representing an additional 70,890 learners.
Females account for 264,722 candidates, or 52.7%, while males number 238,333, representing 47.3%.
The candidates will sit their examinations at 4,514 centres across the country.
Government-sponsored candidates under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme total 187,918, up from 154,642 last year. The remaining 315,132 candidates are privately sponsored.
The growth in candidature increases the logistical demands on examination administration, including the secure distribution of examination materials, supervision and the timely submission of assessment records.
Missing continuous assessment scores could affect results
UNEB has also warned that candidates without continuous assessment (CA) scores in any subject offered, including project work, will not be graded in that subject.
Schools were required to submit all CA scores by September 30, covering Activities of Integration, subject achievement based on observation checklists and project achievement.
Odongo directed schools with genuinely missing Senior Four scores for already registered candidates to contact UNEB’s continuous assessment offices in Kyambogo immediately.
He emphasised that continuous assessment forms an integral part of the final assessment under the competency-based curriculum.
Support for learners with special needs
Of the registered candidates, 906 are learners with special educational needs. UNEB said arrangements had been made to provide appropriate assistance, supported by 222 personnel.
Blind candidates will receive Braille question papers and answer sheets, while learners with low vision will receive large-print papers. Deaf candidates will have sign-language interpreters, and learners with dyslexia or reading and writing difficulties will be supported by transcribers.
Additional personnel will assist candidates with severe physical impairments during practical examinations where necessary.
Fraudsters face heavy penalties
UNEB cited Section 25 of the UNEB Act, which provides for a fine of up to Shs40 million, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both, for unlawfully obtaining or attempting to obtain examination papers or related information.
The penalties also apply to people who facilitate unauthorised access to examination materials, whether the circulated papers are genuine or fake.
Under Section 26, teachers, invigilators, scouts and other individuals who assist candidates to cheat or negligently allow cheating face a fine of up to 1,000 currency points, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
UNEB urged the public to report suspected malpractice through its toll-free line, 0800-211-077, assuring whistleblowers of protection under its policy.
The board has organised national prayers and dedication services for candidates and examination personnel, beginning with Muslim prayers on October 9, followed by Seventh-day Adventists on October 10 and other Christian denominations on October 11.
Odongo urged candidates to remain calm and follow examination instructions, emphasising that the purpose of assessment is to establish learners’ achievements and help align them with appropriate career paths.
