Mathew Bukenya, the former Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), has passed away. He was aged 89.
Bukenya according to UNEB Spokesperson, Jennifer Kalule ,had been battling health issues before his peaceful passing on Sunday night.
“He has rested,” Kalule said, praising Bukenya’s dedication and exemplary service. “His legacy is marked by the great strides he made for our nation during his years at the examination body, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.”
Bukenya’s last public appearance was in July 2023 during the opening of new stores and an office block for UNEB in Kyambogo, where he looked frail.
Bukenya, the longest-serving UNEB secretary in the board’s history, served in the position for nearly 17 years from 1997 until his retirement in 2016.
Previously an accountant at UNEB, Bukenya who had retired after clocking 60 years was recalled out of retirement in 1997 to head the Board, replacing the Secretary David Livingstone Ongom who Museveni’s government dismissed.
At the time of his recall, UNEB was struggling to control the rampant examination malpractices, and his efforts with the team later managed to significantly reduce the leakages.
Bukenya was at the helm of UNEB when the Board introduced changes in the setting, management and marking of examinations, including concealing the names of examiners and sacking those who would publicise their identities.
Under his leadership, UNEB faced significant challenges, including examination malpractices, but Bukenya and his team worked tirelessly to combat these issues and uphold the integrity of the examination process.
The team also stopped ranking the best students according to districts in a bid to reduce unnecessary competition among schools.
Despite his achievements, Bukenya’s last days at UNEB were marked by challenges, including a protracted dispute with the board chairperson, Fagil Mandy.
However, his legacy remains, and he will always be remembered as a household name synonymous with national examinations.
Bukenya’s retirement in 2016 saw the Board select Dan Nokrach Odongo, then Deputy Secretary for Secondary Education, to take over the role.
