The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially completed the marking of the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), clearing the way for the final processes ahead of the release of results.
The development marks a major milestone in the national examination cycle and brings relief to hundreds of thousands of candidates, parents, and schools across the country who have been anxiously awaiting updates on the outcome of the examinations.
According to UNEB officials, the marking exercise concluded successfully and within the planned timeline, following weeks of intensive work by teams of trained examiners drawn from across the education sector.
With marking now done, the board has shifted focus to other critical post-marking processes that must be completed before the results can be officially released to the public.
UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule Musamba confirmed that the board is currently undertaking data entry, verification of marks, grading, and adjudication. These stages are aimed at ensuring accuracy, fairness, and consistency in the final results.
She explained that these processes are as important as the marking itself, as they help eliminate errors and address any anomalies that may arise during assessment.
Kalule Musamba noted that UNEB expects the remaining processes to take approximately two weeks. Once completed, the board will compile a comprehensive performance report to be presented to the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni. It is only after the minister has been briefed that an official date for the release of results will be announced.
While UNEB has not yet communicated a specific release date, indications suggest that the results could be released around the same time as last year. In 2024, PLE results were released on January 23, allowing successful candidates to transition smoothly into Senior One.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has already confirmed that the first term for all levels will begin on February 2, 2026.
UNEB also used the update to caution the public against fraudsters and impostors who often emerge during the examination results period.
The board warned that individuals claiming they can influence results, alter marks, or remove schools from lists of those under investigation for examination malpractice are engaging in criminal activity.
Kalule Musamba stressed that UNEB results are processed through secure systems that cannot be manipulated by individuals outside the board.
She urged parents, candidates, and school administrators not to fall victim to scams, emphasizing that any attempts to solicit bribes or promise score changes should be reported immediately.
To support this effort, UNEB has maintained toll-free lines through which the public can report suspicious activities.
The board encouraged stakeholders to contact 0800211077 or 0800-111-427, or to report such cases directly to the police. UNEB reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice and fraud.
The 2025 PLE cycle recorded an increase in candidature compared to the previous year. A total of 817,885 candidates registered for the examinations, up from 797,444 candidates in 2024.
This rise reflects continued growth in primary school enrolment across the country, particularly under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme.
Of the total candidates who sat PLE in 2025, approximately 64 per cent were sponsored under UPE, highlighting the continued role of government-funded education in expanding access to basic education.
The remaining candidates were drawn from private schools, faith-based institutions, and community-supported learning centres.
Education analysts note that the growing number of PLE candidates presents both opportunities and challenges for the education sector.
While increased access to education is a positive development, it also places pressure on secondary schools to absorb the growing number of learners transitioning from primary level.
UNEB officials acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that their mandate remains to assess learners fairly and provide accurate results that reflect actual performance. The board reiterated its commitment to maintaining examination standards despite the increasing scale of national assessments.
As the country awaits the release of results, schools have been advised to remain patient and avoid speculation. UNEB warned against the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media, where false release dates and fabricated performance trends often circulate during this period.
Parents have also been urged to support their children emotionally, reminding them that examination results do not solely define a learner’s future.
Education experts continue to advocate for holistic assessment of learners, including talents, skills, and character development beyond academic performance.
With marking completed and final processes underway, UNEB has assured the public that the 2025 PLE results will be released in a timely and transparent manner.
The board emphasised procedures are being followed to guarantee credibility and public confidence in the national examination system.
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