As students across the nation anxiously begin their Certificate of Education (UCE) exams, a plea for fairness has come from the very top. Jennifer Kalule Musamba, a spokesperson for the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), has sent a clear message to schools to let the candidates sit for their exams, no matter how they demand school fees.
This comes as some schools have reportedly been threatening to prevent students with outstanding fees from sitting their exams. Musamba has firmly denounced this practice, stating that every student deserves a fair chance.
“We advised parents and head teachers to address the issue of school fees balances before the start of the examinations. Now that examinations have started, we request Head Teachers to avoid the act of blocking candidates from accessing the examination rooms or pulling them out due to fees balances.” Musamba quipped.
It is not just about fairness, either and Musamba points out that barring students from exams poses a serious threat to the integrity of the entire exam process. It also puts unnecessary pressure on students, potentially harming their performance.
She assures schools that the board will work with them to find ways to recover any outstanding fees once the exam results are released. The Uganda National Examinations Board also had some words of advice for the students themselves.
While exams are important, the usual school rules still apply. Musamba put it out clearly and said that since they are candidates, they are supposed to keep following the schools’ rules and regulations and whoever goes against that, is subject to punishment.
“The fact that you are candidates does not absolve you from following school regulations. UNEB will neither be involved nor sympathize with a candidate in a case where such a candidate is subjected to disciplinary measures by the school on account of indiscipline.”
Further more, while addressing the issue of cheating, the Uganda National Examinations Board has made it clear that they have zero tolerance for any kind of exam malpractice. They are actively encouraging anyone who witnesses cheating to report it, even offering rewards for credible information.
They’ve also reminded everyone that whistleblowers are protected under the law, so they shouldn’t be afraid to speak up. Overall, the board seems determined to ensure that the exams are conducted fairly and smoothly.
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With their strong stance against preventing students from taking exams and their proactive approach to tackling cheating, they are sending a powerful message about the importance of integrity in education.
Let us hope that the exams go off without a hitch and all the students can focus on doing their best.
