education 12 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Heavy Rains Delay Start of Uganda Certificate of Education Exams
The first day of the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations was met with unexpected logistical challenges as heavy early morning rains across the country caused delays in the commencement of papers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/early-morning-rain-disrupts-day-one-of-uce-exams-5629904
Heavy downpours on the morning of October 10th, 2026, significantly disrupted the initial stages of the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations across the nation. Students and invigilators alike faced delays as the inclement weather impacted transportation and access to examination centers.
At Kakungulu Memorial Secondary School in Kampala, a key examination site, candidates who had arrived punctually were kept waiting. The mathematics paper, scheduled to begin earlier, eventually commenced at 9:26 AM, more than two hours behind the intended start time. This delay was attributed to the widespread nature of the rains, which affected numerous districts and created a cascade of logistical hurdles.
While the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) had prepared for the countrywide examinations, the intensity of the early morning rainfall presented an unforeseen challenge. The disruption underscores the vulnerability of examination logistics to environmental factors, even with careful planning. Officials are working to ensure minimal further impact on the ongoing examination schedule.
The examinations, which began yesterday, involve hundreds of thousands of students across Uganda. The delayed start in some areas raises concerns about potential impacts on candidates, though official statements emphasize efforts to mitigate any adverse effects on the integrity and fairness of the examination process.