The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) is contemplating a hike in registration fees for national examinations, citing escalating costs of administering exams. This proposal is being discussed by the UNEB board and its committees as they assess the adequacy of current fees in covering examination materials, logistics, and personnel costs.
UNEB executive director Dan Odongo confirmed these discussions, stating that the current fees have become insufficient due to rising costs. He mentioned that the board wants to increase remuneration for people involved in exam management, such as scouts and invigilators, but is limited by its current revenue.
Odongo noted that UNEB relies heavily on government funding to supplement revenue from exam registration. He suggested that a small, manageable increase in candidate fees could provide additional room to meet some operational costs. Currently, Primary Seven candidates pay Shs 34,000, while Senior Four and Senior Six candidates pay Shs 134,000 and Shs 186,000, respectively.
An increase in exam fees would have different implications for families depending on the level of education and whether a learner is registered under a government-supported program or as a private candidate. The government meets registration costs for candidates under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, while private candidates' parents or guardians pay the fees.
UNEB last revised its registration fees in 2017. Since then, the cost of administering exams has changed considerably, while registration rates have largely remained unchanged. Odongo stated that the board has discussed a possible fee increase internally for several years but is now giving it serious consideration.
The prospect of higher exam fees has raised concerns among some parents, who fear an increase could add to household financial pressures and make it harder for some learners to sit the exams. Parents like Alex Kamya and Alice Ssembatya expressed concerns that an increase might lock out some learners from the exam and suggested that the government should shoulder the registration costs for all candidates.
UNEB is also exploring ways to improve revenue collection and close leakages before implementing any fee increase. The board has discovered cases of headteachers in government schools allegedly registering private candidates as government-sponsored candidates, denying UNEB fees. Odongo stated that UNEB will investigate, fine, and potentially pursue criminal charges against officials involved in such practices.
Key points
- UNEB considers increasing exam registration fees due to rising costs
- Current fees have become insufficient to cover examination costs
- A fee increase could have different implications for families depending on the level of education and government support.
