Journalists Arrested for Attempting to Leak Exam Papers as PLE Kicks Off Amid Tight Security Crackdown

By Ben Musanje

The first day of the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in Uganda took a dramatic turn as two journalists from NBS TV and Uganda Radio Network (URN) were arrested for attempting to cover a highly sensitive part of the examination process.

The incident occurred in Hoima, where the journalists were allegedly trying to capture images of the distribution of examination papers, a breach of the Uganda National Examinations Board’s (UNEB) strict security protocols.

Jennifer Kalule Musamba, the UNEB spokesperson, addressed the media at police headquarters Naguru about the arrests, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the national exams.

“Examinations are a highly sensitive security operation, and any attempt to capture or share details of the distribution of exam papers can compromise the entire process,” Musamba said.

According to Kalule, the journalists were attempting to photograph the distribution of PLE papers from a local examination center in Hoima, despite UNEB’s repeated warnings about media coverage during the exam process.

“The distribution of examination materials is classified information and should not be covered by the media, as it poses a potential security threat,” she continued.

Media Coverage and Security Protocols

Under UNEB’s regulations, the media is prohibited from covering certain aspects of the exam process, particularly anything involving the distribution of examination papers or the contents of the exams themselves.

The board’s strict stance on this is due to concerns over the potential leakage of exam materials or unauthorized sharing of exam papers, which could encourage malpractice.

“While we appreciate the role of the media in keeping the public informed, we must also prioritize the security of the examinations,” Kalule clarified. “Any breach, including the coverage of exam materials, is considered tampering, and it is an offense under the UNEB Act.”

However, Kalule noted that the journalists were later released after and cautioned.

PLE in Full Swing: Candidate Numbers and Special Provisions

Despite the controversy surrounding the media coverage, the PLE exams are progressing without significant disruption.

As of Monday, a total of 817,885 candidates have registered to sit for the exams, marking a 2.5% increase from last year.

These candidates are sitting for their exams at 16,140 centers across the country. Of the total candidates, 48% are male and 52% female, reflecting the usual gender distribution seen in national exams.

This year, 64% of the candidates are enrolled in schools supported by the government’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, while the remaining 36% are from private institutions. “This strong participation in government-supported schools reflects the confidence parents have in our education system,” Musamba noted.

Furthermore, UNEB has made special provisions for candidates with disabilities.

A total of 3,644 special needs candidates are receiving accommodations during the exam period.

These include sign language interpreters for candidates with hearing impairments, transcribers for those who have difficulty writing, and Braille materials for visually impaired candidates.

“For students with special needs, we provide additional time—an extra 45 minutes—to complete their exams,” Musamba explained. “We want to ensure that all students, regardless of their challenges, have an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Addressing Malpractice and Ensuring Security

While most candidates are focused on their exams, UNEB continues to battle malpractice, with several incidents of impersonation and attempted bribery reported.

Recently, UNEB uncovered a case in Kagadi and Hoima, where schools tried to register secondary school learners as PLE candidates.

This fraudulent act was uncovered thanks to a whistleblower, leading to the arrest of two individuals involved in the scheme.

In Nira, police arrested a school director, a head teacher, and an invigilator for attempting to bribe exam officials.

UNEB officials have warned that anyone found facilitating malpractice, whether through impersonation, bribery, or any other means, will face severe penalties under the UNEB Act, including up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million shillings.

Musamba reiterated, “We are committed to upholding the integrity of these exams, and any attempts to undermine them will be met with swift action. It is critical that all exam personnel understand the severity of these offenses and avoid being compromised.”

A Call for Vigilance from the Public

As the exam period continues, Musamba called on the public to remain vigilant against the spread of exam malpractice, particularly through social media.

“There are WhatsApp groups where individuals claim they can access exam papers or offer help with cheating,” she said. “We urge people not to get involved in these activities. If you receive any suspicious material, do not share it. Report it to the police immediately.”

Challenges Due to Flooding

In regions affected by recent flooding, such as Katakwi, UNEB has worked closely with local authorities to relocate students from unsafe areas to safer exam centers.

Musamba confirmed that all displaced candidates have been successfully accommodated and are sitting for their exams without further disruption.

“In case of natural disasters like flooding, we collaborate with local authorities to ensure that no candidate is left behind or put at risk,” she said. “This year, we were able to relocate students in Katakwi to a safer location, ensuring they could sit for their exams without any problems.”

Looking Ahead to UACE Exams

As PLE exams continue, preparations are already underway for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams, which will begin with candidate briefings on Friday. Musamba assured the public that UNEB is well-prepared to handle the smooth transition to the next phase of national exams. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).