A total of 432,159 senior four registered candidates have begun their UCE exams at 4,308 sitting centres across the country. However, some candidates have missed out after headteachers disappeared with their registration fees.
52.7 percent of the UCE candidates are females while 47.3 percent are males . This year’s national exams will be conducted under the theme “Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment.”
A total of 154,637(36 percent) if the candidates are sponsored by the government under the Universal Secondary Education(USE) Programme, compared to last year’s USE candidates who were 138,502. The privately sponsored candidates total up to 241,246.
Six hundred and seventy-nine (679) candidates are Special Needs Education(SNE) candidates for which the Board is employing 190 support personnel to provide the required assistance .
Minister of Education and Sports Mrs. Janet Museveni has since sent out a message for the candidates in which she encouraged the students to approach each paper with confidence and faith.
In post on her X handle , Mrs. Museveni stated thus , ” You have worked hard and prepared for this moment—trust in your efforts, and above all, trust in God, who rewards diligence and integrity. I also urge you to avoid any form of examination malpractice.
True success is built on honesty and hard work, not on shortcuts. Remember, these exams are not just a test of knowledge but also a test of character. May the Lord grant you calm minds, clear thoughts, and His grace throughout this examination season. Go forth and shine!.”
Over 1,300 scouts have been deployed countrywide, along with over 500 security personnel. However, this year’s exams have come at a time when teachers are still on a sit down strike which might affect the smooth supervision of the exercise which ends on November 8.
