education 23 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UNEB Sets 2026 Examination Dates for Over 1.6 Million Candidates
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the timetables for the 2026 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). The examinations are set to commence next month, with a significant increase in the total number of registered candidates. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uneb-releases-timetables-for-2026-examinations-5606426
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has announced the official schedule for the 2026 national examinations, preparing over 1.6 million students across the country to sit for their final assessments.
The timetable covers the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). UNEB Executive Director, Mr. Dan Odongo, shared the details during a press briefing in Kampala.
The UCE examinations will begin with candidate briefings on October 8, followed by the first papers on October 12, commencing with Geography and Biology theory. The PLE is slated to take place from October 30 to November 4, with UACE examinations running from November 7 to December 5.
This year, UNEB has registered a total of 1,627,885 candidates, marking a notable increase of 14.9% from the previous year. Notably, female candidates constitute 52% of the total candidature, indicating a trend of more girls remaining in the education system. The majority of candidates, 52%, are benefiting from government sponsorship under Universal Education programs.
Significant growth in candidature was observed at both UCE and UACE levels, with UCE seeing a 16.4% rise and UACE experiencing its highest increase at 22.5%. Mr. Odongo attributed this surge to improved completion rates and successful transitions to higher education levels.
UNEB has also issued a strong warning against individuals impersonating examination officials or claiming to have access to examination papers. Candidates are urged to adhere strictly to school rules and regulations, as UNEB will not tolerate any acts of indiscipline that could lead to dismissal or suspension.
The theme for this year’s examinations is “Advancing Excellence in Assessment and Certification through secure, credible, inclusive and innovative processes.”