The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a stern warning to schools against the public display of national examination results, citing violations of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.
In a circular dated May 7, 2025, Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda cautioned all heads of institutions and proprietors of private schools to stop publishing candidates’ names, scores, and photographs in newspapers, on billboards, or social media platforms.
The directive follows a recent statement by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, during the release of the 2024 national examination results. The Minister revealed the importance of safeguarding learner privacy and discouraged the use of results for school marketing or public rankings.
Dr. Kedrace noted that publicizing individual performance not only breaches legal provisions under Section 36 of the Data Protection Act but also subjects learners to unnecessary stress, stigma, and potential harassment.
“All examination results must be communicated privately to candidates and their guardians through sealed letters or secure platforms. Schools must avoid turning learners’ scores into publicity tools,” the statement reads in part.
The circular, copied to local government officials, education officers, and school authorities across the country, warns that schools found in breach of this guidance will face disciplinary action.
The Ministry, however, permits schools to share a general performance summary, provided it does not include names or images of individual students.
