A total of 817,930 Primary Seven pupils across Uganda will sit for the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) starting Monday, 3rd November, according to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). The figure marks an increase from 797,444 candidates in 2024, showing steady growth in primary school enrolment.
Of this year’s total, 389,557 are boys (47.7%) and 428,373 are girls (52.3%), maintaining a trend where female candidates outnumber males nationally.
All candidates will be briefed by their head teachers on Thursday, 31st October, before sitting the written papers. On Monday, 3rd November, candidates will sit for Mathematics and Social Studies, followed by Science and English on Tuesday, 4th November.
The briefing is a key exercise meant to familiarise pupils with examination rules and discourage malpractice.
UNEB has strengthened exam management and security nationwide. Over the weekend, 150 Examination District Monitors were trained and will oversee the orientation of head teachers, invigilators, scouts, and distributors to ensure smooth and transparent conduct.
The distribution of examination papers will be done under tight security, jointly coordinated by UNEB, the Uganda Police Force, and District Security Committees.
UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule Musamba cautioned the public against individuals posing as UNEB officials or circulating fake exam materials online.
“The Board would like to caution the public against individuals claiming to have access to actual exam papers,” she said. “Our surveillance teams are monitoring such activities, and anyone caught will face prosecution.”
The briefing will be held on Thursday, 31st October, while exams will take place on Monday, 3rd and Tuesday, 4th November. A total of 817,930 candidates, comprising 52.3% girls and 47.7% boys, are registered to sit for the exams. Security will be jointly handled by UNEB, Police, and local authorities. The public is urged to be cautious of fake exams and fraudsters posing as UNEB insiders.
