More than 431,000 Senior Four candidates across the country begin their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations today.
The candidates will start with Geography this morning and sit for Biology (theory) in the afternoon. The examinations, which run until November 4, will take place at 4,308 centres nationwide.
According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), a total of 431,856 candidates have registered for the 2025 UCE exams, reflecting a 12.07 percent increase from 379,699 in 2024.
UNEB has, however, cautioned candidates to strictly observe examination regulations or risk severe penalties, including disqualification, cancellation of results, or even arrest.
The Board outlined several forms of malpractice that could lead to disciplinary action. These include smuggling unauthorised materials into the examination room, copying or colluding with others, and exposing one’s work to be copied.
Candidates are also warned against receiving external assistance from teachers or any other persons, gaining prior access to examination questions, or engaging in impersonation—where someone else sits the exam on behalf of a registered candidate.
UNEB further listed improper conduct such as making noise, disobeying or threatening invigilators, and disrupting examinations as grounds for punishment. Substituting examination scripts, exceeding the allotted time, using different names, or tearing answer booklets into loose sheets are equally prohibited. Torn or folded scripts will not be marked.
In addition, candidates found in possession of mobile phones, communication gadgets, or any unauthorised materials while in confinement before practical papers risk arrest. Submitting more than one script or engaging in any other form of irregularity will also attract penalties.
UNEB urged candidates to maintain discipline and integrity throughout the examination period, warning that the Board will not hesitate to take action against anyone found violating examination rules.
