Kampala,Uganda | The 2025 results show a sharp decline in failures. Only 130 candidates (0.03 per cent) scored below the basic level in all subjects, compared to 6,974 candidates (1.9%) in 2024.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) said the improved performance reflects growing stability and maturity in the implementation of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The Board reported that a total of 428,628 candidates, representing 99.69% of those who sat for the examinations, qualified for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) in 2025, up from 98.1% in 2024.
UNEB chairperson Celestino Obua said the 2025 results demonstrated improved institutional capacity and professionalism within the board. He noted that while 2024 was largely a transition year, 2025 reflected a more familiar and stable operational environment.
He explained that a study conducted by UNEB in 2024 showed that learners trained under the CBC demonstrated strong research skills, independent learning abilities, creativity, effective communication, and improved critical thinking and problem-solving capacity. According to him, these competencies position learners to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and middle-income aspirations.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo reported that 432,163 candidates from 3,975 centres registered for the 2025 examinations, compared to 359,417 in 2024, representing a 20.2% increase.
Of these, 204,292 were males (47.3 per cent) while 227,871 were females (52.7 per cent).
A total of 429,949 candidates, representing 99.5% of those registered, sat for the examinations, while 2,214 candidates (0.5%) were absent, continuing the trend of declining absenteeism.
According to UNEB, assessment under the CBC combined Continuous Assessment, which contributed 20% and end-of-cycle examinations, which accounted for 80%. The Board said grades were determined through systematic psychometric and statistical analysis to ensure fairness and accuracy.
The results also show that 1,191 candidates (0.28%) were classified under Result 2 after failing to meet some requirements, such as missing Continuous Assessment scores, projects, or the required number of subjects.
UNEB further reported that the proportion of candidates who did not qualify for the UCE certificate declined significantly from 1.9% in 2024 to 0.31% in 2025.
On special needs education, the Board said 708 candidates with disabilities registered for the 2025 examinations. It added that comprehensive support, including Braille papers, sign language interpreters, enlarged-print scripts, support personnel, and extra time, was provided to ensure accessibility and fairness. Only four special needs candidates were absent.
A survey conducted among 36,546 candidates from 118 districts showed high satisfaction with the quality of the examinations. The findings indicated that most candidates found the questions to be within the syllabus, clearly presented, and fairly challenging.
UNEB also reported that examination malpractice remained minimal, with only 63 cases recorded, mainly in Mathematics and science practicals. The Board said most of the cases involved candidates who had been given experimental results by teachers, contrary to competency-based assessment guidelines.
The results were officially released by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, at State House Nakasero. She commended UNEB for strengthening assessment standards and supporting education reforms aimed at producing skilled and competitive learners.
