By George Bukenya
In an effort to combat examination malpractices, Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) has with immediate effect suspended the transportation of it Exams using Boda Boda means from stores and to the respective sitting centers.
National examinations according to the Executive Director Dan Odongo have also been linking also in such a way and some envelopes containing examination papers have in some occasions found tampered with before they reach their final destination.
While addressing local government leaders and those in charge of the primary Leaving Examinations(PLE) in all Districts of in the country during the opening of two-days annual seminar organized by the examining body to reflect on 2023 PLE Exams and way forward for 2024 Exams, Mr. Odongo said that the perpetuators have been conniving with those transporting exams on Boda Boda, get time to stop somewhere and open the envelops.
He said for instance such incident happened in Butambala District last year and good enough the perpetuators where arrest and prosecuted.
Odongo decried lack of budgeting for the PLE examinations by the District Administrations Municipalities and Town Councils yet in their respective budgets they are supposed to include in an item to cater for the PLE Exams.
‘ Local governments are supposed when budgeting to include in their respective budgets funds for UNEB Primary Leaving Examination management when they are being done and these fund are supposed to be sent to Examination centre of government schools in their respective areas but some districts haven’t effected this.” Odongo stated.
Meanwhile has criticized the judiciary for delaying the trial of case involving examination malpractices something he says jeopardize UNEB’s efforts in ensuring effective and efficient examination management and it also fuels the vice more.
In the same vein Ismael Mulindwa the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, who represented the Minister of Education at the function, at the opening of the workshop disclosed that government this time round is ready to name and shame any school which will involve in any malpractice.
He also called upon Local governments to avail the funds to cater for transportation of PLE Examinations because this is a government policy requirement.
A total of 798,742 pupils will be writing the 2024 PLE at 14967 centers starting on 4th November. However, this indicates an increase in the number of candidates by 6.6% from 749,374 candidates registered in 2023 academic year.