More than 71 students from Buhimba Secondary School in Kikuube District, who had aspirations to advance to the Advanced level, will need to redo their senior four year due to examination malpractice uncovered by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
UNEB withheld the results of the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) for Buhimba SS following a comprehensive investigation into allegations of malpractice within the school administration. Ultimately, UNEB advised the affected students to repeat the year.
Mr. Deogratias Byakagaba, the Kikuube District Education Officer (DEO), acknowledges the UNEB decision, stating that his office lacks the authority to overturn it, expressing regret over the incident.
According to him, UNEB verified that the candidates had provided corresponding answers and obscured common ones, constituting malpractice, leaving the students with no alternative but to repeat the year.
Initially, the school administration denied any involvement in malpractice during the 2023 UCE examinations. However, UNEB conducted thorough interrogations of invigilators and students, leading to its decision.
A parent of one affected student, speaking anonymously, expresses anguish over the financial burden and the potential setback to his daughter’s educational progress.
One of the affected students acknowledges the necessity to repeat the year and vows to persevere for his future.
In response, Buhimba SS reduced the school fees for affected students from Shs300,000 to Shs200,000, though some parents argue it should have been lowered further to Shs100,000.
Despite attempts, the school head teacher could not be reached for comment as his phone was unavailable during multiple attempts.
