Nakifuma students in tears
Panic and outrage have gripped Cream Field Vocational School in Nakifuma, Mukono District, after Senior Four candidates were informed they would not sit for this year’s Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations.
The shocking revelation came just hours before the national exams began, leaving both students and parents in disbelief. The furious parents and candidates later stormed the home of the school director on Sunday, demanding their index numbers and examination centers.
According to parents, the school had earlier promised to hand over the students’ index numbers during the official UNEB briefing on Friday. However, the headteacher failed to turn up, reportedly claiming to have other commitments. The students were then told to return on Saturday, but when nothing happened, they decided to confront the school director at his residence, where they were informed that they would not be sitting for the exams after all.
The school, which had 21 registered candidates, reportedly only managed to successfully register three, leaving 18 others stranded. Parents accuse the administration of negligence and deceit, saying they had fully paid registration and school fees.
Nakifuma students in tears
“We paid all the money they asked for, and our children have been studying since Senior One. Now we are told they can’t sit their exams. This is unacceptable,” said one parent who preferred anonymity. The parent added that some guardians now want the school to take responsibility by refunding all the money paid from Senior One to Senior Four, while others are considering taking legal action.
UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule said the examination body can only assist candidates who have valid index numbers, which confirm registration.
“We can only intervene for those whose details were successfully submitted to UNEB,” she clarified.
Meanwhile, the school administration has not yet released any official statement on the allegations.
Nationwide, 432,159 candidates have begun sitting for the 2025 UCE exams, but for the stranded Cream Field Vocational students, their long-awaited dream of completing O-Level this year remains shattered.
