HEADLINE: PLE 2025 Results Show Improved Pass Rate Amidst Crackdown on Exam Malpractice and Calls for Teacher Training
SUBHEADING: UNEB Reports Over 730,000 Candidates Qualify for Post-Primary; Results Withheld in Multiple Districts Over “Brazen” Cheating.
KAMPALA – The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results, reporting an overall increase in candidates qualifying for secondary and vocational education, even as it withholds results from several districts over widespread examination malpractice.
UNEB Chairperson, Professor Celestino Obua, announced that performance at the Grade One pass level improved compared to 2024. He expressed confidence that all 730,000 learners who passed would secure placement, citing government efforts to expand post-primary access.
“Overall, more candidates have qualified to proceed to the next level or cycle of education than was the case in 2024,” Prof. Obua stated.
Persistent Concerns: Absenteeism and Teacher Preparedness
While candidature rose, a steady 1.3% absenteeism rate over two years remains a concern. Prof. Obua acknowledged it as a cause for worry and indicated the Ministry of Education is investigating underlying causes.
A key finding from UNEB’s second annual item analysis of exam papers—a move aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum—revealed a significant need for teacher support. The Board concluded that “teachers require substantial capacity-building support” to effectively interpret and teach the new curriculum. A pilot training program in two low-performing Local Governments will continue, funds permitting.
“Brazen” Malpractice Prompts Result Withholding
In a stark revelation, UNEB Executive Secretary, Mr. Dan Odongo, detailed an escalation in exam cheating. He reported instances where “scouts and invigilators have reportedly been bribed or threatened with physical harm by school directors and headteachers to allow teachers to assist candidates.”
Mr. Odongo lamented the complicity of some District Education Office officials. Consequently, UNEB has withheld results for affected candidates in districts including Kisoro, Kampala, Mukono, Namutumba, Kassanda, Buyende, and Kaliro, pending investigations and hearings by the Examinations Security Committee.
He commended districts like Kyenjojo, Kabarole, and Bundibugyo for notable improvement, highlighting that firm action by Kyenjojo’s Chief Administrative Officer in 2024 led to zero malpractice cases this year.
Performance of Special Candidate Groups
The results included candidates from prison schools. At Upper Prison School, Luzira, 58 inmates sat, with 4 achieving Division 1. At Mbarara Main Prison, 39 sat, with 7 attaining Division 1.
Collection of Results
Results are available via Centre Portal downloads for schools. Hard copies can be collected by Inspectors of Schools from UNEB Ntinda starting Monday, 2nd February 2026. Parents and candidates can also access results via SMS on MTN and Airtel networks.
The 2025 PLE presentation paints a picture of a system grappling with successful expansion and curriculum reform, yet challenged by deep-seated integrity issues and the urgent need for teacher professional development.
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