Packing error leaves UCE candidates short of exam papers

What the report says

The Observer reports that some Senior Four candidates sitting the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education exams faced disruptions on the third day after a packing mistake left certain centres with fewer question papers than the number of registered candidates. Uganda National Examinations Board spokesperson Jennifer Kalule-Musamba confirmed the shortages during her daily briefing, saying the issue affected only some centres rather than the whole country.

According to the report, supervisors and chief invigilators responded by photocopying the missing papers so that all candidates could take the exams as scheduled. The article says this was another example of the logistical strain involved in packing and distributing exam materials to centres across Uganda, including remote areas, and notes that similar lapses have happened in past exam seasons.

The board also said there were isolated medical incidents involving candidates with sickle-cell disease and asthma. Kalule-Musamba said some candidates experienced attacks during the papers but were able to finish in school sick bays under medical care and invigilator supervision. The report adds that Uneb has rules for learners with chronic conditions, including advance declaration and medical documentation so that a transcriber can be arranged where needed.

On the day in question, candidates sat Geography in the morning and Biology theory in the afternoon, while learners under special needs education took a corresponding General Science Biology paper. The report says the next timetable item is Biology practicals, with Uneb rules allowing some candidates who miss one practical paper to sit another under protest.