The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has confirmed that two papers leaked before the examination time on Wednesday.
These papers circulated via social media and its alleged that Senior Four candidates and teachers on Wednesday obtained copies of Chemistry and Christian Religious Education (CRE) papers hours before scheduled examination time.
Hamis Kaheru the spokesperson of the body, in a statement issued on Thursday, notes that, “UNEB received reports of alleged leak of ongoing Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination. The reports indicate that a few papers may have been seen by some candidates before the official time for opening question paper envelopes at sitting centres.”
The board reports that it is investigating and treating as “serious” reports that some students irregularly accessed the examination papers.
It adds, “The Board takes these reports seriously and is working with security agencies to establish the authenticity of the alleged examination papers that reportedly circulated on social media and the source of those papers.”
“Security agencies have arrested some suspects”, says Kaheru. He offers no details on number and identities of suspects.
Kaheru notes that these developments will not affect the timetable and the remaining papers will be conducted as scheduled.”
“Area supervisors, heads of centre and other examination officials currently in the field should ensure that the exercise continues as planned,” adds the statement.
The national examination papers are printed by UNEB and transported under guard for overnight storage at police stations from where individual schools, in the presence of scouts deployed by the national exam body, collect them. It remains unclear at what point the papers leaked.
Investigation into the examination malpractice is on going being led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Tumuhimbise and Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Maate.
