Uganda's S6 Candidates Express Confidence as UACE Exams Begin

Senior Six candidates in Fort Portal, Uganda, have expressed confidence in their ability to excel in the 2026 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations. The exams, which began on November 6, 2026, are the first under the competency-based curriculum. According to Basemera Suzan, a student from Mpanga SS, teachers and parents have played their part in preparing them, and now it is up to the candidates to translate their efforts into good results.

Fellow candidate Presira Enid, a Literature student, expressed excitement about reaching the final stage of their academic journey. She appreciated their teachers and parents for their support and pledged to perform well. The school's Deputy Headteacher in charge of Academics, Tinkasimire Stephen, noted that the candidates are the first cohort to experience the new curriculum at O-Level. As a result, the National Curriculum Development Centre provided an aligned curriculum as preparations for the new A-Level curriculum continue ahead of its expected release in 2027.

The UACE exams will begin on Monday, November 6, 2026, with History and Principal Mathematics papers. Biology Paper Three is scheduled for December 1st, 2026. Mpanga Secondary School has registered 540 candidates sitting from two examination centres: Mpanga and Mpanga SS Annex. Science students outnumber those offering arts subjects at the school.

Tinkasimire Stephen expressed confidence in the school's preparations and urged candidates to arrive at examination centres on time, wear proper school uniforms, and carry all required examination materials. He cautioned them against carrying prohibited items, particularly mobile phones, and encouraged them to maintain a balanced diet throughout the examination period.

The briefing was held on November 6, 2026, as Senior Six candidates across Uganda prepare to begin their final national examinations. According to Jubilee Radio, the school's authorities are optimistic about the candidates' performance. The school's management has put in place measures to ensure the candidates are well-prepared for the exams.

The 2026 UACE exams are significant as they are the first under the new competency-based curriculum. The National Curriculum Development Centre has been working to align the curriculum and ensure a smooth transition for the candidates. The centre's efforts aim to provide a more comprehensive and relevant education for Uganda's students.

As the exams begin, candidates across the country are expected to sit for their papers with confidence and composure. The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) will administer the exams, and results are expected to be released in the coming months. The performance of the candidates will be closely watched, as it will provide an indication of the effectiveness of the new curriculum.

Key points

• The 2026 UACE exams are the first under Uganda's new competency-based curriculum.
• A total of 540 candidates from Mpanga Secondary School are sitting for the exams.
• The exams began on November 6, 2026, with History and Principal Mathematics papers.