PLE Candidature Rises 12.5% as 920,833 Pupils Prepare for National Exams

What the report says

Uganda’s Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) says 920,833 pupils have been registered for the 2026 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), a 12.5% increase from last year’s 817,885 candidates. The exams are set for November 3 and 4 at 16,478 centres nationwide, and the exercise has moved into its final stage with candidate briefings at schools and examination centres.

UNEB said girls make up 484,620 of the registered candidates, or 52.7%, compared with 436,213 boys. The board also reported that 576,342 learners are under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme, while 344,491 are privately sponsored. Executive Director Dan Odongo described the rise in entries as evidence of confidence in government primary education, while also crediting the education ministry and teachers in government schools.

The board said 4,655 candidates with special education needs will receive tailored support during the exams. That includes Braille papers for blind candidates, large-print materials for those with low vision, sign language interpreters for deaf candidates, and transcribers for learners with dyslexia or severe physical impairments. They will also be given an extra 45 minutes per paper. UNEB said 1,544 support staff, along with district monitors, scouts and security personnel, will help oversee the process.

Among the registered candidates are 53 inmates at Uganda Government Upper Prison School in Luzira. UNEB said the exams are being administered under a theme focused on secure, credible, inclusive and innovative assessment.