The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a directive prohibiting schools from publicly displaying individual candidates’ Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) results.
In a circular dated May 7, Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda instructed school heads to stop publishing students’ scores, result slips, or photographs on billboards, social media, and other public platforms, citing violations of students’ privacy rights.
Dr. Turyagyenda emphasized that such practices contravene the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.
“The Ministry has observed with concern the continued practice of sharing individual UNEB results through various public media, including billboards,” she wrote. “This breaches the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, which safeguards the confidentiality of learners’ personal data.”
She stressed that school administrators have a duty to uphold students’ rights and welfare.
“Publicizing examination results not only breaks the law but also subjects learners and their families to unnecessary pressure, anxiety, and potential harassment or stigma,” she warned.
To address these concerns, the Ministry directed all schools to strictly follow the existing regulations regarding examination result publication.
Schools were instructed to refrain from using examination results for promotional or marketing purposes. Instead, they are encouraged to highlight their broader educational offerings, including extracurricular programs, community involvement, and institutional achievements.
The Ministry also advised schools to deliver results privately to students and their parents or guardians through official, secure means—such as sealed letters or verified digital platforms.
“Results must not be displayed on notice boards, shared via social media, or made accessible through any other public medium,” Dr. Turyagyenda stated.
