Uganda’s examinations body has released the official timetable for the 2025 national exams, setting key dates for millions of pupils and students across the country.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) said the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) will all be held in the final quarter of the year.
According to the schedule, secondary school students taking the UCE will go first. Their briefing is set for 10 October, followed by Geography and Biology theory papers on 13 October. The exams will run until 7 November.
Primary school candidates will be briefed on 31 October. They will sit Mathematics on 3 November and English the following day. The final set of candidates — those sitting the UACE — will begin with a briefing on 7 November, with exams continuing until 5 December.
UNEB’s Executive Director, Dan Odongo, told reporters the exams should be seen as an opportunity rather than a burden. He urged candidates “to approach the examinations with confidence,” saying they are intended to measure progress and guide future careers.
But he also warned strongly against malpractice. That includes smuggling in notes or phones, collusion, and impersonation. “Candidates and all concerned must note that involvement in malpractice in one paper shall lead to the cancellation of results of the whole examination,” he said.
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Mr Odongo explained that schools can access the timetables online, while hard copies will be supplied with other stationery. “UNEB has also printed enough copies for all the candidates of UCE and UACE, and therefore, schools should ensure that every candidate receives a copy,” he said.
He added that schools must also post the schedules on noticeboards so that parents and students can easily see them. Braille versions have been prepared for visually impaired candidates.
This year’s exams will place greater emphasis on continuous assessment. Schools are required to upload learners’ scores by 30 September. Candidates without scores in any subject, UNEB said, will not be graded.
