Rising Exam Cheating in Busoga: 898 Pupils' Results Cancelled, Forced to Repeat

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has nullified Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results for 898 pupils in Uganda’s Busoga sub-region, caught in exam malpractices. These candidates, from Jinja City (66), Kaliro (230), Namutumba (372), and Buyende (230) districts, must now retake the exams.

In Buyende, District Education Officer Dison Bwire highlighted affected schools like Wesunire and Nabisiki Primary Schools, noting recurring issues at others such as Namulikya. He pointed to poor teaching, absenteeism, weak parental involvement, and teachers’ lack of exam rule knowledge as key causes. To combat this, head teachers have been interdicted, attendance enforced, and mini-boarding introduced for Primary 7 learners.

Kaliro’s DEO Edward Kamaga reported 230 cancellations, down from 287 after exonerating 57. He linked the problem to schools’ rush for top rankings without proper learner preparation, calling it a shared issue among teachers, parents, and administrators. Disciplinary actions target implicated staff, though Kamaga opposes penalizing pupils, arguing teachers should bear the brunt.

Jinja City Education Officer Paul Baliraine cited fierce competition for Division One grades, despite capable students. He warned that repeating could spike dropouts, particularly among girls, and stressed ongoing investigations for accountability.

Namutumba faces low return rates, with only 200 of 370 pupils back in school due to poverty, stigma, and costs. District chair David Mukisa noted rising early marriages and falling secondary enrollment.

Experts like retired teacher John Lukooki Magezi and Busoga Education Initiative’s Agnes Kalibala attribute malpractice to poor preparation, pay frustrations, and performance pressures. UNATU’s Filbert Baguma criticized weak oversight and UNEB delays, while legal expert Paul Watuwa Timbiti and mental health specialist Joel Sssemwanga urged protecting learners from psychological harm and dropouts.

UNEB’s Dan Odongo noted rampant cheating, including bribes to scouts and threats to invigilators during the 2025 PLE, amid overall improved results.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)