The deputy headteacher and director of studies of Homesdallen Primary School in Kamwokya, Kampala, have been arrested alongside two invigilators and an impersonator. They allegedly facilitated examination malpractice during the first day of the 2026 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). According to UNEB Principal Public Relations Officer Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, the five suspects were arrested on Tuesday for providing external assistance to candidates.
The arrests were made after reports of examination malpractice, including the incident at Homesdallen Primary School, were uncovered through information provided by members of the public acting as whistleblowers. Kalule-Musamba commended the public for their vigilance and cooperation in protecting the integrity of national examinations. She urged the public to continue reporting any suspicious activity.
In a separate incident, three people were arrested at Prince Junior School in Gayaza, Wakiso District. They included the school’s director and acting headteacher, Hajjat Lazia Nasanga; mathematics teacher Mulindwa; and UNEB scout Margaret Nankabirwa. According to Kalule-Musamba, Nasanga allegedly colluded with Nankabirwa to open a sealed examination envelope and hand it to the teacher to prepare a marking guide and answers for candidates.
Another UNEB scout, Kasango Bumaali, was arrested at Ndagaro Primary School in Rubirizi District for allegedly photographing an examination paper after its delivery and sharing the images. In Butaleja District, a scout deployed at Mango Grove Junior School in Busolwe was found with examination papers in his pockets and remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The arrests point to a shift in the methods used by individuals seeking to compromise national examinations. Over the years, UNEB has tightened examination security and closed several traditional avenues previously used to leak examination papers. Some schools and examination officials have reportedly resorted to providing external assistance, including supplying answers and coaching candidates from outside examination rooms.
Under the UNEB Act, Cap 259, individuals found guilty of examination malpractice face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of Shs40 million or both. Invigilators and scouts found guilty of negligence risk up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of Shs20 million. Previous convictions have demonstrated the courts’ tough stance on examination malpractice.
In April 2026, 15 teachers and education officials implicated in a major 2025 PLE malpractice scheme in Kassanda District were each sentenced to one year in prison. The group included the District Inspector of Schools and the director of Nkoba Primary School, who were implicated in opening and sharing examination materials before the official starting time.
Key points
- Five suspects arrested for exam malpractice during Uganda's 2026 Primary Leaving Examinations
- UNEB tightens examination security, closes traditional avenues for leakage
- Individuals found guilty of examination malpractice face up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a fine of Shs40 million
