The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has arrested eight secondary school students and school heads over allegations of plotting to sit for the forthcoming Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) on behalf of registered candidates in a bid to boost school pass rates.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo revealed that the suspects were arrested during joint operations conducted by police and UNEB officials in Kagadi and Homa districts after whistleblowers tipped off authorities about the malpractice.
“The ones that have recorded statements are the five from Salama Primary School and the three that were found from Kasasa Primary School. At Kasasa, there were 15 involved, 12 ran away but three were found. At Salama, all five recorded statements.” Odongo said. “
The arrests were made at Salama Primary School in Kagadi District and Kasasa Primary School in Hoima, where it was discovered that some of the candidates listed to sit for the PLE were actually secondary school students.
The UNEB boss strongly condemned the scheme, warning headteachers and candidates against engaging in any form of examination malpractice.
“Our security is on high alert to follow up these cases. I want to caution headteachers and candidates who think they can cheat their way through. When such fake papers or fraudulent acts are discovered, the results will be cancelled as provided under Section 26 of the UNEB Act.” Odongo warned.
He emphasized that schools should focus on adequately preparing their pupils rather than using dishonest means to inflate performance.
“By now, all Primary Seven candidates should be ready to sit for the examinations using the knowledge and skills they have acquired. Bringing in outsiders only confuses genuine learners and leads to cancellation of results.” he said.
The arrests come just days before over 800,000 Primary Seven candidates across the country begin their final exams, starting with a briefing session on Friday, October 31, followed by the written papers scheduled for November 3rd and 4th.