The Uganda Police in the Greater Masaka Region have reported several shocking cases of examination malpractice during the ongoing 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), held on November 3rd. The incidents, which took place in different districts, have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the national examinations.
In Masaka District, eight teachers were arrested at St. Kizito Butenzi Primary School for allegedly helping candidates during the Social Studies paper. The suspects—identified as Ngobya Jackson, Kavuma Ashiraf, Juuko Misaaki, Kyusa Ronald, Mubiru Isma, Ssempijja Michael, Turyasingura Adam, and Waiswa Sharif—were reportedly caught red-handed writing answers and coaching pupils on how to respond to certain questions. Police say strong evidence was collected from the scene to support the case.
In Rakai District, police arrested a man identified as Katende Noah at St. Raphael Mbuye Primary School for impersonation. Katende allegedly posed as a UNEB scout despite not being officially recognized by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). His actions raised suspicion among supervisors, leading to his immediate arrest.
Meanwhile, in Masaka City’s Kimanya–Kabonera Division, another suspect, Mr. Asiimwe Robert, is currently on the run after he allegedly attempted to bribe a UNEB monitor to influence the examination process. Police have launched a manhunt to bring him to justice.
The situation was no different in Kyotera District, where six UNEB officials were taken into custody at Kyotera Central Primary School for their involvement in examination malpractice. The suspects—identified as Mulindwa Sulait, Nansango Sylvia, Nasamula Annet, Ssekitoleko Gonzaga, Nakityo Harriet, and Lubega John—were arrested after an inspection team discovered a candidate with a small paper containing answers for the Social Studies paper. All six suspects are being held as investigations continue.
Police say the arrests were made in collaboration with UNEB officials as part of a wider effort to protect the credibility of Uganda’s education system. The authorities have strongly warned teachers, invigilators, and school administrators against engaging in acts that compromise the fairness and transparency of national exams.
“The Uganda Police, together with UNEB, is fully committed to ensuring the integrity of all national examinations,” the statement read. “We caution everyone involved in the examination process to avoid any illegal actions that could undermine the future of our learners.”
As investigations continue, the public has been urged to report any suspicious activities during the PLE period. The latest arrests serve as a stern reminder that cheating will not be tolerated and that those found guilty will face the full force of the law.
