Bishop Orders Probe After Busaana SS Candidates Tear Uneb Papers

Religious and education authorities in Kayunga District are demanding a comprehensive investigation following an unusual incident where Senior Four candidates at Busaana Secondary School allegedly tore their Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) question papers.

Speaking at a heated Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) meeting, the chairperson of the school’s board of governors, Rt Rev Williams Ssebaggala, expressed deep shock over the incident. The retired bishop of Mukono Diocese stated that in all his years, he had never witnessed candidates deliberately destroying their final national examination papers.

The school’s head teacher, Mr Vincent Okwenje, revealed that the unrest stemmed from acute disciplinary challenges. According to Mr Okwenje, two candidates shockingly tore their agriculture question papers immediately after receiving them. Even after invigilators provided extra copies, the students reportedly destroyed those as well in plain sight.

Mr Okwenje expressed suspicion that the candidates’ motive was to frame the institution for examination malpractice by scattering torn papers to attract suspicion from Uneb scouts. The emergency PTA meeting was convened not only to address the torn exam papers but also to tackle a recent arson attempt targeting the boys’ dormitory.

Students had allegedly plotted to burn the dormitory after the head teacher suspended more than 20 boys over indiscipline, requiring them to commute from home during their exams. Police intervened swiftly to thwart the arson attack and have maintained a security presence at the rural-based institution.

During the meeting, tempers flared as some parents blamed the administration for poor working relationships, while others defended the school leadership and condemned the violent protests. Bishop Ssebaggala urged parents to actively instill morals in their children, emphasizing that grievances against administration do not justify destroying school property or trying to burn a dormitory. Read more details on the Daily Monitor.