Uganda Health Professions Board Raises Alarm Over Resurging Exam Cheating Among Trainees

Authorities in Uganda are facing a renewed battle against examination malpractice within health training institutions, with a notable increase in cheating incidents reported among nursing, midwifery, and allied health students. The Uganda Health Professions Assessment Board (UHPAB) recently announced that it had withheld results for 79 continuing students due to suspected malpractice, while an additional 130 cases were identified among finalists in the June 2026 examinations.

This marks a stark contrast to the progress made in recent years, where cases of malpractice had been significantly reduced. In December 2024, only three candidates were flagged, a considerable drop from the 13 cases recorded when the issue first surfaced under the former Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examination Board in 2019. Malpractice in the past has included forged logbooks, unauthorized materials, and external assistance.

Officials from the Ministry of Education have emphasized that such misconduct cannot be tolerated in health professions, given the critical responsibility these individuals will have in caring for lives. “Malpractice in health training should not be tolerated. These professionals will be trusted with people’s lives. There is no excuse,” stated Doreen Ankunda, acting permanent secretary.

New regulations have empowered UHPAB with stricter measures, including the ability to withhold, cancel, or nullify results linked to cheating. Helen Mukakarisa Kataratambi, UHPAB executive secretary, assured that the board would continue to strengthen invigilation and investigation processes to safeguard the integrity of examinations essential for entry into the health workforce.

Beyond cheating, the overall examination results revealed varied performance. While 75.9% of continuing students passed, a significant 23.6% failed and will need to retake papers. Certificate candidates showed improved pass rates, but diploma students faced challenges, with lower pass marks and a dramatic decrease in distinctions. Officials are urging training institutions to enhance competency assessments during practical training to better identify and address learning gaps.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/concern-as-nursing-students-return-to-exam-cheating