Mubende, Kasanda
The Uganda National Examinations board (UNEB) has allayed fears that senior four candidates in the central districts of Mubende and Kassanda are unable to seat their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams following the Ebola Virus lock-down.
Jennifer Kalule, the Uneb spokesperson says the UCE exams have kicked off on a smooth note countrywide with candidates accessing centers to do their first paper, Mathematics 1.
Kalule says the examination body has provided preferential treatment in the isolated districts, based on the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health and the Security Agencies.
She explains that Uneb working with security forces and health Ministry delivered the examination papers on Sunday evening and candidates in the two districts started writing their papers, the same time with others.
Mubende, Kasanda
Kalule says the Health Ministry has given temporary passes to Uneb officials including scouts, invigilators, supervisors and teachers staying outside the districts to access centers.
She further states that those from far are being encouraged to get rental or accommodation facilities either from districts neighbouring Mubende or within, for the entire period of examination.
“Our scouts and invigilators are advised to go to the police stations for guidance on how they can move to the various examination centres. The Board is grateful to the government for giving us the opportunity to conduct examinations in the two lock down districts. We call upon everybody involved in the conduct of the examinations, at all levels, to observe the sOPs for the control of Ebola as provided by the Ministry of Health,” she says
Meanwhile, the examination body has warned those engaging in malpractice that they risk a fine of upto 40 million shillings or 10 years in jail as per the UNEB act 2021.
“This is the first time the Board is fully conducting examinations under the UNEB Act 2021. 1t had tough penalties with regard to examinations malpractice-Ranging from 5-10 years imprisonment, or a 1ine of either 20 million shilling, or 40 M. depending on the offense,” Kalule explains further.
A total of 349,445 candidates registered for the examination from 3,703 examination centres. The examination centres include Luzira Prison, where 51 candidates registered for the examination. 50.3 % (175,923) of all the candidates are male while 49.7% (175,522), are females. Of the total candidature, 519 are Special Needs Education Candidates. Access arrangements have been made for these SNE candidates to access the necessary support in accordance with their needs.
Compiled by Minah Nalule
