203,809 Candidates Begin 2026 UACE Exams in Uganda

The 2026 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations have commenced with a total of 203,809 candidates participating, marking a significant 22.4% increase compared to the 166,400 candidates who sat for the exams last year. The examinations began with Science students sitting for Principal Mathematics Paper One, while Arts students tackled History Paper One. This year's exams are being conducted under the theme "Advancing Excellence in Assessment and Certification through Secure, Credible, Inclusive, and Innovative Processes."

According to Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, the spokesperson for the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), the candidates were registered from 3,039 examination centres across the country. The candidature for this year's exams includes 106,361 males, representing 52% of the total, and 97,448 females, accounting for 48%. Notably, 41 inmates from Upper Prison Secondary School in Luzira are also part of this year's candidature, comprising 40 males and one female.

This year's UACE cohort is the first to have undergone the Competency-Based Assessment model at Ordinary Level (O-Level) in 2024. UNEB has aligned the assessment at Advanced Level (A-Level) with the competency-based curriculum, following guidance from the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC). The Board has deployed over 1,000 scouts, alongside security and surveillance personnel, to monitor examination activities and prevent malpractice.

The increase in candidature is a positive indicator of the growing participation in education in Uganda. The UNEB spokesperson expressed the Board's commitment to administering credible examinations that accurately reflect each candidate's individual performance. Kalule-Musamba wished all candidates success in their exams, reassuring them of the Board's dedication to ensuring the integrity of the examination process.

To ensure the credibility and security of the exams, UNEB has implemented various measures, including the deployment of scouts and security personnel. These measures aim to prevent examination malpractice and maintain the integrity of the assessment process. The Board's efforts to align the assessment with the competency-based curriculum also reflect its commitment to providing a fair and comprehensive evaluation of students' skills and knowledge.

The 2026 UACE exams are a crucial milestone in the educational journey of the candidates, marking the completion of their Advanced Level education. The exams will assess the students' knowledge and skills in various subjects, providing them with a qualification that is recognized both locally and internationally. The results of the exams will play a significant role in determining the candidates' future academic and career prospects.

As the exams progress, UNEB will continue to monitor the examination activities to ensure that they are conducted in a fair and secure environment. The Board's commitment to credible assessment processes and its efforts to prevent malpractice will help to maintain the value and recognition of the UACE qualification. With the increasing participation in education, the 2026 UACE exams are an important step towards achieving Uganda's educational goals and objectives.

Key points

• The 2026 UACE exams have seen a 22.4% increase in candidature compared to last year, with a total of 203,809 candidates participating.