By BM
In a shocking yet heartwarming turn of events, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has confirmed that 17 pregnant candidates have been allowed to sit for their ongoing Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams, with one student giving birth in the middle of her Chemistry practical.
Speaking at a press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Jennifer Kalule Musamba, UNEB’s Principal Public Relations Officer, revealed that despite the challenges, all registered learners including expectant and breastfeeding mothers are being given a fair chance to complete their exams.
“One of the candidates from Millennium High School in Koboko went into labor during her Chemistry practical,” Musamba told reporters. “She was rushed to a health center and delivered her baby safely at around 10:30 a.m.”
The brave young mother missed that particular paper but was later able to sit for an alternative practical exam once she recovered.
Musamba revealed that across the country, 17 female students are writing their national exams while pregnant, with three others breastfeeding during the examination period.
“Some of them get complications, but we assist them in every way possible,” she explained. “They are also given up to 45 extra minutes, the same allowance we provide for candidates with special needs.”
She added that while UNEB does not condone teenage pregnancy, the board recognizes every registered candidate’s right to sit for their examinations. “Once a learner is registered and physically able to sit, UNEB will ensure they are examined,” she emphasized.
Amidst the emotional stories, UNEB celebrated what it described as one of its most disciplined exam seasons in years.
According to Musamba, there have been no cases of exam paper leaks or major malpractices reported so far. “We applaud our invigilators, scouts, security teams, and teachers who made this success possible,” she said.
Musamba also revealed that some schools had reported rowdy candidates who tried to disrupt exams, prompting police supervision in some centers.
She warned that violent or unruly behavior is a serious offense that could lead to disqualification and cancellation of results. “Being a candidate doesn’t place you above school rules,” she cautioned.
UNEB is now turning its focus to the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) set to begin later this week, with over 817,000 candidates expected to take part.
Musamba urged parents to attend briefing sessions and warned against fake papers circulating on WhatsApp and social media. “Anyone sharing or forwarding leaked papers will be held responsible,” she warned. “Our exam security remains airtight.”
The remarkable story of the young mother from Koboko has since captured national attention, a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.
As the country’s students push through their final exams, Uganda celebrates not just their academic effort but the courage of those who refused to give up, even when life itself arrived in the middle of Chemistry practical. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
