Packing error leaves UCE candidates short of exam papers

Senior four candidates at several examination centres experienced logistical disruptions on the third day of the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations after a packing error left them with fewer question papers than the number of registered candidates.

In her day-three briefing to the press, Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) spokesperson Jennifer Kalule-Musamba acknowledged the shortages.

Kalule-Musamba said that at centres affected by the shortfalls, area supervisors and chief invigilators improvised by photocopying the missing papers to ensure that all candidates could sit the examinations as scheduled.

Such shortages are not new. Similar logistical lapses have occurred in previous examination seasons, often linked to the complex process of packing and distributing examination papers to thousands of centres across the country, including those in remote areas.

Although the problem was not widespread this year, it disrupted the smooth conduct of the examinations and required on-the-spot solutions.

Meanwhile, the board reported isolated medical emergencies involving candidates living with sickle-cell disease and asthma.

Kalule-Musamba said several candidates suffered attacks during the examinations but were able to complete their papers in school sick bays under medical care and continuous supervision by invigilators. She did not provide specific numbers or identify the affected centres.

Uneb regulations provide for candidates with chronic medical conditions. During registration, affected learners are required to declare their conditions and submit supporting medical documentation, enabling the board to arrange for a trained transcriber to be available during examinations.

Where no prior arrangements have been made, the examination manual allows centres, in consultation with Uneb officials, including chief invigilators and scouts, to improvise by assigning the role to a Senior Two student from the same school.

A transcriber, whether an adult or a student, has a strictly limited role. They read each question aloud to the candidate and record the answers exactly as dictated. They are not permitted to explain questions, suggest answers or provide any other form of assistance.

The safeguard is intended to ensure that only the candidate’s own knowledge is assessed while allowing medically vulnerable learners a fair opportunity to complete their examinations.

On the third day, candidates sat Geography in the morning and Biology theory in the afternoon. Candidates under Special Needs Education (SNE) took the corresponding General Science Biology paper.

According to the official timetable, the fourth day is devoted entirely to the Biology practical examination. Candidates register for either Paper 2 or Paper 3, with Paper 3 scheduled for next week.

However, Uneb rules allow candidates who miss Paper 2 to sit Paper 3 under protest, even if they had not registered for it.

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