The Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) has ramped up security for the ongoing Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams, deploying 1,739 personnel, including 539 security staff and 1,200 scouts, to ensure a secure environment for candidates.
Monday marked the start of the UCE exams for 379,748 candidates across various centers nationwide. Of these, 369,601 are sitting for exams under the new curriculum, while 10,147 will take transitional examinations under the old curriculum.
UNEB Spokesperson Jenifer Kalule emphasized the extensive measures in place, stating that candidates are being examined from 4,168 centers, including Luzira Upper Prison and Mbarara Prison. She warned candidates, teachers, and invigilators against engaging in examination malpractice, which would result in severe consequences.
Addressing journalists at Naguru Police Headquarters, Kalule explained that UNEB has partnered with the Uganda Police Force to deploy over 1,200 scouts and 539 security personnel nationwide to minimize the chances of malpractice.
“UNEB is partnering with various security agencies as well as contracted professionals to ensure the security of the examinations is guaranteed. Over 1,200 scouts have been deployed countrywide, along with 539 security personnel,” Kalule stated.
Parents have also been cautioned against falling victim to fraudsters attempting to deceive unsuspecting individuals regarding examination materials. “Our security teams have already caught up with some of them. The Magistrate’s Court in Tororo last week remanded two of the suspected scammers to prison over the same matter,” Kalule noted.
Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda Police spokesperson, added that police deployment includes not only exam security but also liaison officers at each UNEB center to investigate any suspected malpractice this time around.
Under Section 25(1) of the UNEB Act 2021, individuals who obtain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to exam papers or materials face penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of 40 million shillings, or both.
