In a significant development for the education sector, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has announced a sharp increase in the number of candidates registered for the 2025 national examinations, reaching a total of 1,416,318 provisional candidates. This marks an increase of 97,168 candidates or a 6.9% rise from the 2024 figure of 1,319,139.
The 2025 national exams encompass the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). The final registration phase closed on July 31, 2025, and UNEB’s announcement signifies not just an uptick in numbers but also a positive trend towards increased enrollment and participation in Uganda’s formal education system.
Breakdown of the Numbers:
- PLE (Primary Leaving Examination):
- 817,998 candidates have registered, up from 797,444 in 2024, showing a 2.51% increase.
- UCE (Uganda Certificate of Education):
- 431,856 candidates are registered, reflecting a 12.07% increase from the previous year’s 379,699.
- UACE (Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education):
- 166,464 candidates are set to sit for UACE exams, marking a 14.69% increase from the 141,996 candidates last year.
The highest growth was observed at the UACE level, which highlights an increasing transition rate from ordinary secondary education to advanced secondary education in Uganda.
Gender Breakdown of Candidates:
UNEB also provided a detailed gender breakdown, with near parity in male and female candidates across the three levels:
- PLE: 428,398 females and 389,589 males.
- UCE: 227,867 female candidates compared to 203,980 male candidates.
- UACE: 93,603 males and 72,861 females, where male candidates outnumbered females.
This data suggests ongoing improvements in gender parity in education, especially at the secondary level, while also underscoring the continued growth in female participation at all levels of education.
UNEB’s Call for Transparency:
In light of these large numbers, UNEB reminded schools of the UNEB Act Cap 259 Section 4(2), which mandates that schools display the candidate register on their notice boards at least 60 days before the start of exams. This measure is in place to ensure transparency and to provide candidates with an opportunity to verify their registration and personal details.
The Significance of the Increase:
According to Dan Odongo, the UNEB Executive Director, the increase in candidates highlights the progress Uganda has made in ensuring access to education across the country. “This is a clear indication of progress in ensuring access to education across the country,” Odongo remarked. The rising number of candidates also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of education and the efforts by the government to boost enrollment rates at various levels.
With the 2025 exams approaching, the government, schools, and UNEB are preparing for what is expected to be the largest cohort of candidates to date, paving the way for future generations to contribute to Uganda’s economic and social development.
As Uganda continues its push toward educational growth, the increasing number of candidates highlights a positive trajectory in terms of both enrollment and academic progress. The outcome of these exams will have a significant impact on the country’s education system, as they continue to shape the future of Uganda’s youth.
