UCE exams open amid school fees disputes, rain delays paper collection

What the report says

The start of the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education examinations on Monday was marked by two main disruptions: disputes over unpaid school fees and heavy morning rain that slowed the collection of exam papers. According to The Independent Uganda’s report based on Uganda Radio Network, some candidates at registered centres were briefly at risk of being barred from sitting the papers, while headteachers in several districts faced delays reaching police stations and other collection points.

At Mother Land Academy in Nabweru, a candidate, Gift Winnie Nalukwago, was nearly turned away over an alleged Shs600,000 fee balance before security officers intervened and allowed her to proceed. A similar situation was reported at Charity College in Gulu City, where administrators were still negotiating with parents early in the morning. Local education officials in Kumi and the Greater Masaka sub-region said schools had been told to let registered candidates take the exams first and settle outstanding fees later.

Rain also affected the logistics of paper distribution in Kampala, Luwero and other areas, with some headteachers arriving late to collect materials. UNEB officials said schools farther away were prioritised and later confirmed that the morning papers were collected for the affected centres. In other regions, including Kabale, Hoima, Soroti and parts of West Nile, schools reported smoother openings and candidates arrived despite difficult weather.

The report said the overall exam rollout continued under tight supervision and security, with officials reiterating UNEB and ministry guidance against denying registered learners access to national examinations over fees disputes.