The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the timetable for the 2024 national examinations, marking the introduction of the first cohort of candidates for the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC).
The four major exams this year, known as the 4Es, include the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) under both the new and old curricula, the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
In his statement, the UNEB Executive Director, Dan Odongo has emphasized that the 2024 exams will be different from previous years, particularly with the introduction of the NLSC.
“This year’s examinations will involve both the UCE based on the new curriculum and the transitional UCE, catering for students who missed or need to repeat their exams,” Odongo stated.
The transition between the two curricula involves the new NLSC, which will see students assessed through a mix of continuous assessment and end-of-cycle exams.
The transitional UCE serves as a one-off opportunity for candidates still under the old curriculum.
“This is the first time UNEB is examining candidates for the Uganda Certificate of Education under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum,” Odongo added, outlining the significant shift in assessment methods.
“We are focusing on assessing competencies through a variety of methods, including projects and continuous assessment.”
A total of 1,320,400 candidates are set to sit the 2024 exams, marking a 7.8% increase compared to 2023. Of this number, 379,620 candidates are registered for the UCE exams, while 798,763 will sit for the PLE.
The UACE, which also shows an increase in candidates, where 142,017 students are to sit for the exams this year.
In addressing the security of the examinations, Odongo stressed the importance of preserving the sanctity of the process.
“We must ensure the integrity of the exams. Malpractice compromises the authenticity of a candidate’s results and the educational system as a whole,” he said.
The board has also implemented measures to prevent malpractice, with clear guidelines for candidates.
“Any involvement in examination malpractice in one paper will result in the cancellation of the entire exam,” warned Odongo, urging all stakeholders to be vigilant.
Among the new features this year is the introduction of new subjects and assessment modalities.
Uganda Sign Language (USL) and Physical Education are among the new subjects being assessed for the first time. Odongo pointed out that these changes reflect a commitment to a more inclusive and diverse education system.
“The introduction of Uganda Sign Language, for example, with 72 pioneer candidates, shows our commitment to inclusivity,” he remarked.
With 698,808 of the candidates funded by the government under the Universal Education Programs, UNEB is also urging schools to ensure that all candidates have received their timetables.
Special provisions, including Braille versions of the timetables for visually impaired candidates, are also being made available.
As the exams approach, UNEB has highlighted the importance of adhering to deadlines, particularly with the submission of Continuous Assessment (CA) scores.
“Schools must ensure that CA scores are submitted by October 30th, 2024, through the online portal, and not physically or via post,” Odongo reminded.
Heads of Centers are urged to display candidates’ registers for verification by October 10th, 2024, allowing students to confirm their registration details.
UNEB’s message is clear: the responsibility for the successful conduct of the 2024 exams lies with all stakeholders, including candidates, teachers, and parents.
“We have consistently worked with education officials and center supervisors to ensure that the exam process remains secure,” Odongo said.
“We will not tolerate malpractice, and anyone caught violating exam rules will face serious consequences.”
The UNEB has also clarified recent misunderstandings surrounding the distribution of exam papers, affirming that while motorcycles may be used, boda boda riders should not be assigned the role of distributing the papers.
“We are against boda boda riders being assigned to distribute exam papers, as this has facilitated malpractice in the past,” Odongo clarified.
With the exams set to begin on October 11th, 2024, UNEB has called on all parties to respect the regulations and ensure a fair, secure, and successful examination period.
The Board has further committed to providing adequate support for all candidates, especially those with special needs.
“Ensuring fair access to education and examination opportunities for all students remains UNEB’s priority,” stated Odongo, urging a collective effort to uphold the credibility of the exams.
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