The Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in Uganda commenced on November 2, 2026, with a total of 920,833 candidates sitting for the exams. This number represents a 12.5% increase from the 817,998 candidates who sat for the exams in 2025. The exams are being conducted by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and will take place over two days, with Mathematics and Social Studies on the first day and Science and English on the second day.
The UNEB has deployed a total of 1,544 personnel to assist candidates with disabilities, as well as 13,738 invigilators to ensure the smooth conduct of the exams. Additionally, 162 district officials have been deployed to oversee the exams, and 9 districts have been identified as pilot areas for the new examination system. A total of 16,478 centers have been designated for the exams, with the smallest center located in Luzira, which has only 53 candidates.
According to the UNEB, the exams will be conducted in a secure and fair manner, with measures in place to prevent cheating. The board has also introduced new security features to prevent impersonation and ensure the authenticity of the exams. Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, a UNEB official, stated that the board has put in place measures to ensure that the exams are conducted in a secure and fair manner.
The PLE exams are a critical milestone in the education system of Uganda, marking the end of primary education for candidates. The exams will determine the candidates' eligibility to proceed to secondary education. A total of 1,627,885 candidates are expected to sit for the exams in P7, S4, and S6.
The UNEB has assured the public that the exams will be conducted in a professional and transparent manner. The board has also urged candidates to remain calm and focused during the exams. The exams are expected to be completed within the next two days, after which the results will be released.
The Uganda National Examinations Board has been working to improve the security and integrity of the exams. The board has introduced new measures to prevent cheating and ensure that the exams are conducted in a fair and transparent manner. These measures include the use of secure question papers and the deployment of invigilators to oversee the exams.
The PLE exams are a significant event in Uganda's education sector, with thousands of candidates sitting for the exams across the country. The exams will determine the future of the candidates, with those who pass eligible to proceed to secondary education. The UNEB has urged candidates to remain calm and focused during the exams and to follow the instructions provided by the invigilators.
Key points
- The PLE exams have begun with 920,833 candidates sitting for the exams across Uganda.
- The UNEB has deployed 1,544 personnel to assist candidates with disabilities and 13,738 invigilators to oversee the exams.
- The exams will be conducted over two days, with Mathematics and Social Studies on the first day and Science and English on the second day.
