The Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) Examination for the 2023 candidates officially commenced on Friday, October 13, 2023, with the thorough briefing of candidates. This year’s examinations are conducted under the theme “Integrity and security in the management of examinations is a joint responsibility.”
The UNEB Executive Director, Dan Odongo, emphasized the importance of head teachers themselves conducting the briefing. During the briefing session, candidates were made aware of the instructions contained in the timetable and the rules and regulations governing the conduct of examinations.
The 2023 UCE exams will start with Geography Paper 1 and 2 in the morning and afternoon, respectively on Monday next week.
A total of 364,470 candidates registered for this year’s UCE examination, representing a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 184,014 (50.5%) are females, while 180,456 (49.5%) are males
Candidates will sit for their papers in 3,863 centers nationwide, an increase from 3,703 Examination Centers in 2022. Luzira Upper Prison Center registered 59 candidates, including 7 females and 52 males.
Out of the candidates, 32.5% are funded under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) Program, while 70% are non-USE candidates. Seven of the UCE candidates have Special Needs Education (SNE) requirements, and the board has made arrangements to provide necessary support. This includes braille answer sheets for the blind, large print question papers for those with low vision, and sign language interpreters for the deaf. Candidates with severe physical impairments will also receive support personnel, and those with dyslexia/reading and writing problems will be provided with transcribers.
The board is collaborating with various security agencies, contracted professionals, and center heads to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination. A total of 1,036 security officers, 1,113 scouts, and 107,941 invigilators have been deployed to maintain the integrity of the exams.
Dan Odongo issued a stern warning against fraudsters claiming to possess the blueprint of UNEB examination papers and extorting money from unsuspecting individuals. He mentioned that nine key suspects have already been arrested and arraigned before the court.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, assured candidates of tight security measures. Police officers have been deployed to monitor the exams, and road checks have been conducted to ensure the ease of travel to examination centers during the rainy season, avoiding any potential disturbances.