UNEB releases 2024 final examination timetable

KAMPALA – The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the 2024 examination timetable for the Four Examinations (4Es), emphasizing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment.

This year’s examinations mark a significant milestone as UNEB introduces the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC) for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and conducts a transitional examination based on the old curriculum. The transitional examination provides an opportunity for candidates who missed the 2023 examination or need to repeat.

According to UNEB Executive Director Dan N. Odongo, a total of 1,320,400 candidates have registered for the 4Es, representing a 7.8% increase from last year’s candidature of 1,224,371. Of these, 51.1% are female, while 48.9% are male.

The UACE examination has recorded a significant increase in candidature, with 142,017 candidates registered, compared to 110,579 in 2023, representing a 28.4% rise. The Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) has also seen an increase of 6.6% in registration, with 798,763 candidates, up from 749,371 in 2023.

UNEB has emphasized the importance of security and holistic assessment, urging stakeholders to preserve the examinations’ integrity. “The theme for this year’s examinations, ‘Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment,’ reflects our commitment to ensuring the credibility and reliability of our examinations,” Odongo stated.

The examination timetable outlines the dates for each examination level:

The Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination based on the New Lower Secondary Curriculum will commence on October 11 and conclude on November 8, 2024. The UCE transitional examination, based on the old curriculum, will run from October 11 to November 15, 2024.

The Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) is scheduled to take place from November 4 to 7, 2024, while the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examination will commence on November 8 and conclude on December 6, 2024.

UNEB has also introduced new subjects and assessment modalities, including Ugandan Sign Language (USL) and Physical Education (PE). A total of 72 candidates have registered for USL, while 15,000 candidates have registered for PE.

In addition, UNEB will assess learners’ achievements in listening and speaking for foreign languages, including Latin and Arabic. This marks a departure from previous years, where these languages were assessed solely through pen-and-paper examinations.

Continuous Assessment (CA) scores must be submitted to UNEB through the school portal by October 30, 2024. Candidates without CA scores in any subject offered will not be graded.

Heads of centers can access the examination timetables through their school portals, while hard copies have been distributed along with other stationery. Braille versions of the UCE and UACE timetables have been provided for visually impaired candidates.

The display of candidates’ registers, as required by the UNEB Act 2021, continues until October 10, 2024. Candidates and parents are advised to verify registration status and correctness of bio-data.

UNEB has cautioned candidates against involvement in examination malpractice, emphasizing that such actions may lead to cancellation of results or disqualification.

Odongo concluded, “The successful conduct of this year’s Four Examinations is a joint responsibility by all stakeholders. We urge candidates, parents, teachers, and heads of centers to take keen interest in the precautions highlighted in the timetable and provide necessary counseling and guidance.”