education 15 September 2026 Nile Post
Health Professions Exam Absenteeism Sparks Concern Among Stakeholders
A significant number of students registered for health professions examinations in Uganda are failing to sit for them, prompting concern from education stakeholders. Financial challenges, family obligations, and the strain of balancing work with studies are cited as primary reasons for this absenteeism. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/370974/education-stakeholders-raise-concern-over-absenteeism-in-health-professions-exams
Education stakeholders in Uganda are expressing alarm over the consistent absenteeism in health professions examinations. A substantial number of candidates who register for these critical assessments ultimately do not appear for them, creating a bottleneck in the training pipeline for essential healthcare workers.
During the release of the 2026 Uganda Health Professions Assessment Board (UHPAB) examination results, Registrar Helen Mukakarisa highlighted that financial constraints are a major deterrent. Many students struggle to afford the examination fees, while others, particularly diploma candidates, face immense pressure balancing their academic pursuits with work and family responsibilities.
In the latest examination cycle, out of 14,086 registered candidates, 145 failed to attend. Investigations revealed that beyond financial hurdles, personal family matters and the complexities of studying while married also contribute to this trend. These challenges can significantly impede a student’s ability to complete their training and qualify for professional practice.
The recent examinations saw 8,969 certificate students and 5,117 diploma students registered. While the certificate pass rate showed improvement compared to the previous year, with 88.1 percent of certificate students passing, the diploma level experienced a decline in first-class passes.
Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, stressed the urgency of addressing this absenteeism, especially given Uganda’s focus on science education. He called for increased government support, including expanded sponsorship and loan schemes, to assist financially challenged students.
State Minister for Education and Sports John Chrysostom Muyingo urged for stricter measures and further investigation into the root causes of absenteeism. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that all candidates are enrolled in officially licensed training institutions.