Two Kayunga Head Teachers Arrested After 30 PLE Results Cancelled

KAYUNGA, Uganda — Authorities in Kayunga District have arrested two primary school head teachers in connection with examination malpractice tied to the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations that led to the cancellation of results for 30 candidates.

Police said the suspects, arrested March 23, are being investigated for irregularities that include registering private candidates under the Universal Primary Education program and failing to remit examination fees to the Uganda National Examinations Board.

The suspects were identified as George Kundu, 58, head teacher of Nanjwenge Church of Uganda Primary School in Kitimbwa Sub-county, and Valentino Obbo, 35, head teacher of Great Harvest Primary School in Busaana Sub-county.

Collins Kafeero, the Kayunga District probation and welfare officer who led the operation, said the arrests are part of ongoing investigations.

“The two arrested head teachers are already under investigations by police over their alleged irregular conduct in the 2025 PLE that led to cancellation of results for 30 candidates and failure to remit UNEB exam fees for non-UPE candidates,” he said.

Nanjwenge Church of Uganda Primary School is a government-aided institution under the UPE program, while Great Harvest is privately owned.

Officials said 76 candidates sat for the PLE at the Nanjwenge center last year, including pupils from neighboring schools, some of whom were affected by the cancellations.

District authorities also ordered the immediate closure of Great Harvest Primary School after finding that about 150 learners were studying in poor conditions. Inspectors reported that the two-year-old school lacked proper classrooms, with pupils learning in makeshift structures and no toilet facilities.

Dan Bubaale, the Kayunga District education officer, said the school was operating illegally.

“We have never licensed the school and we have opened investigations into circumstances that led to the cancellation of PLE results of that school. We have also recommended Mr. Kundu appear before the district rewards and sanctions committee so that he is punished,” he said.

Bubaale added that Kundu could be removed from his position as investigations continue.

Police sources said Obbo is being investigated for examination malpractice, while Kundu faces possible charges related to abuse of office.

Among those affected by the canceled results is 13-year-old Jovia Namukose, who had earlier drawn public attention after being abandoned by her parents and caring for three younger siblings. Her story prompted support from well-wishers, including Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans, which helped fund her education.