Kampala, Uganda – Just days before the national Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), four teachers have been detained on accusations of distributing counterfeit exam papers.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) identified the suspects as Bakashaba Vincent from Kimongole Primary School (Isingiro), Muheki Vincent from Vision Primary School (Ibanda), Pabeku Albert from Stoneridge Primary School (Kira) and Oyet Hosea from Dignatory Junior School (Rukungiri).
Authorities allege the suspects were selling the fabricated exam papers online for as much as 750,000 Ugandan shillings per set.
UNEB’s investigation found that the teachers used social media platforms to market the papers to anxious parents and students preparing for the exams.
The suspects are now in police custody and face charges under the UNEB Act, which strictly prohibits the unauthorized possession and distribution of examination materials.
They are due to appear in court today, November 5, 2024, for a preliminary hearing.
The arrests highlight UNEB’s reinforced commitment to curbing exam-related fraud.
Under Section 25 of the UNEB Act, CAP 259, anyone caught unlawfully handling exam materials faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 20 million Ugandan Shillings, or both.
UNEB has stated that the penalties aim to protect the integrity of Uganda’s national exams and deter any similar attempts.
“This year, we’ve intensified our monitoring and security measures across the board,” said a UNEB representative. “We are working with law enforcement to ensure that any fraudulent activities are quickly detected and dealt with to maintain the quality and fairness of the PLE exams.”
With the PLE exams set to start today, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, UNEB is urging parents and students not to be swayed by offers of leaked or counterfeit papers.
The organization has reinforced that such materials are not only illegal but are likely inaccurate, leaving students unprepared and anxious.
Some parents expressed concern over the pressure their children are under, as well as frustration over the availability of counterfeit exams.
“We want our children to succeed honestly, but the existence of these fake papers adds stress and uncertainty,” said Ruth Nakatya, a parent from Kampala. “UNEB’s vigilance gives us hope that these issues will be addressed.”
The arrests have sparked calls for more substantial reforms to ensure that students, especially those facing their first national exams, do not feel pressured into shortcuts.
Education activists suggest that increasing focus on ethical preparation and support for students could reduce the temptation to seek fraudulent materials.
“The demand for leaked papers reflects a systemic issue — students and parents need more support in preparing for exams without feeling forced to take such risks,” said Dr. Simon Akena, an education policy analyst. “Perhaps a shift toward continuous assessment could ease the high stakes of one exam and lessen reliance on desperate measures.”
As the legal process unfolds, UNEB hopes the incident will serve as a deterrent to anyone considering similar actions, reinforcing the message that cheating has no place in Uganda’s education system.
