By Davis Mugabi

Scores of headteachers and teachers have been arrested over exam malpractice.

Wednesday marked the end of day 3 for the conduct of the examinations for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE).

According to Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) a number of head teachers and teachers of different schools have been arrested.

Mukono

In Nagalama, the police arrested the Headteacher of Paul Mukasa S.S. in Kalagi for electronic sharing of information, purported to be a UNEB Examination paper. The Head teacher was said to be sharing the material from his phone, and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public. He will be arraigned in court to answer to charges of aiding and abetting malpractice.

Mitooma

Relatedly, police in Mitooma have arrested a Swahil teacher of Kanyabwanga Secondary School, Tumusiime Dominic who shared information/ an image purported to be an examination material for a UNEB Biology Practical paper for 2023. The content is said to have been shared on a school teachers’ forum. The Head teacher of the school, Mr. Mugizi reported the case to police, and the teacher was arrested. The file was sanctioned at the magistrate’s court in Bushenyi, and the suspect was due to appear in court today.

Kwania

In Kwania District, the head teacher of Inomo SS has been arrested by police for allegedly tampering with examination material/envelope containing mathematics Paper 1 examination papers. It is said that he received a sealed envelope from the station, in the presence of other examination officials that included the UNEB Chief scout, Area Supervisor, as well as security Officers. It is suspected that the content of the envelop could have been tampered with. Police is investigating the case. Section 28 of the UNEB Act 2021 makes it an offence to damage! destruct an examination paper, examination material, or any other material or information. According to the Act, a person involved in such an act commits an offence and is liable, on conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand currency points (Twenty Million Shillings) or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.

Kampala

In Kampala, the police in Kabalagala, Makindye Division, have arrested the Chief Invigilator at African Parl Secondary School on suspicion of providing external assistance to the second shift of Chemistry students. This was during the practical examination of Chemistry Paper 3, of Tuesday October 17th, 2023. A handwritten piece of paper with suspected answers of the practical paper was found in the examination room where the Chief Invigilator was supervising. Investigations are ongoing.

Overall, UNEB Spokesperson, Jennifer Kalule says the UCE examination has so far been conducted smoothly in most parts of the country.

Candidates are set to write Biology (Practical) in the morning, and Commerce in the afternoon of Day 4.