The 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations began smoothly in Kitgum district, northern Uganda, with all centres reporting timely delivery of papers and no irregularities.
Examination materials arrived safely at around 1 a.m., escorted under tight security from Kitgum central police station, before being dispatched to seven substations across Kitgum and Lamwo districts, including Palabek secondary school, Padibe Girls Comprehensive, Lukum, Madi-Opei, Kitgum Matidi, and Muchwini.
By 8 a.m., headteachers, security officers, and Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) officials held a joint briefing to emphasise discipline, transparency, and integrity throughout the examination period. The candidates kicked off with Geography Paper One, a compulsory paper for all UCE students countrywide.
At Kitgum high school, the first exam commenced promptly at 9 a.m., with no logistical hitches reported. Christopher Opoka, headteacher of Kitgum high school and Uneb area supervisor (Station 039) Opoka, who oversees 12 schools under Station 039, including Kitgum high school, YY Okot Girls Memorial College, and Rev Jabloni Isoke Memorial College said most schools were well-prepared despite challenges in the previous academic year.
He noted that teachers completed their syllabi, conducted both internal and external mock exams, and organised seminars to equip learners for the national examinations. Guidance and counselling sessions were also held to reinforce exam ethics and warn against malpractice.
Both Opoka and Lucy Oola, headteacher of YY Okot Girls Memorial College, expressed optimism that Kitgum schools would maintain Uneb’s standards of integrity. Oola said candidates have been thoroughly briefed about the consequences of exam malpractice and that no incidents had been reported so far.
She attributed this year’s smooth preparations to renewed stability following last year’s disruptions, including a three-week industrial strike by secondary school teachers that affected teaching and performance.
Oola recalled the emotional toll of a previous tragedy in which a student died in a lawn-mowing machine accident, an incident that could have derailed student concentration.
“This year, the school is stable and focused. We expect at least 70 distinctions out of 150 students,” she added confidently.
This year, 92 candidates are sitting exams at Station 039, with over 25 girls, an encouraging rise in female participation compared to last year. Education officials say they are prioritising discipline, mental well-being, and fairness throughout the examination process.
Opoka is hopeful that this year’s results will show significant improvement, reflecting the combined resilience of both teachers and learners.
“This time around, more training and guidance have been given to candidates, and we hope this translates into better results than last year,” he said.
As the exams continue across the country, Kitgum’s orderly start has been described by district officials as a model of coordination and commitment to education integrity.
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