By KT Reporter
Distribution of examination papers improved across most parts of the country on the second day of the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), but schools in flood and landslide affected areas continued to face major challenges.
According to reports gathered by our reporter, many districts reported faster and smoother distribution compared to day one. Papers reached several centers earlier than it was on day one, allowing examinations to start on time.
In urban and low-risk areas, officials said the process was largely efficient due to improved coordination between distributors, security teams, and district supervisors.
“Today the weather is good, and we expect everything to move smoothly,” said Henry Lwanga, the Nansana Municipal Education Officer.
In Jinja, where distribution delays were recorded on the first day, the process began earlier on day two. District Education Officer Eria Kisambira said distribution started at 7:00 a.m., an hour earlier than the previous day.
“Despite the poor roads slowing down delivery in Busedde and Butagaya subcounties, we have managed time well,” he said.
Kisambira added that on day one, the team had few vehicles, which caused delays, but the problem was fixed on the second day after mobilizing more transport.
In Luwero, District Inspector of Schools Hajji Yusuf Kamulegeya said clear weather supported timely delivery to all centers. Officials also explained that day-one delays partly resulted from morning paperwork that must be completed before distribution begins.
In Hoima City and Hoima District, the distribution began at 7:30 a.m. under tight security. Harriet Kihumuro, the Acting District Education Officer, said all candidates were expected to begin their papers on time.
At Kigorobya CoU Primary School, head teacher Joab Kiiza confirmed receiving the first paper by 8:30 a.m., noting that all 63 registered candidates were present. Johnson Kusiima Baingana, the Hoima City Principal Education Officer, said all 35 examination centers received materials on time, and invigilators and scouts were in place by 8:00 a.m. He added that no irregularities had been reported.
In Kabale District, the exercise also started smoothly at 7:30 a.m. under police escort. District Education Officer Moses Bwengye Tumwijukye confirmed that Rwababa Primary School head teacher, Drake Kisheija, remains in custody at Kabale Central Police Station for allegedly denying a candidate an examination paper over a 70,000-shilling coaching fee.
In Kasese, the situation at the central police station, where examinations are picked, was calm, and distribution was completed as planned. Police maintained heavy deployment around mountainous schools.
At Kitswamba Primary School, head teacher Esther Natukunda said 79 out of 82 candidates sat for the exams, explaining that two had reportedly left the area for work. At Rughendabara Primary School, one candidate missed the paper, though the reason was not immediately known.
In Isingiro District, pupils of Rubira Primary School on an island in Lake Nakivale faced transport challenges due to rising water levels. Sixteen pupils were required to pay 4,000 shillings to cross by boat to Kyarugaju Primary School, where they sit their exams.
Head teacher Elizabeth Amupaire said the fare had increased from 1,000 shillings because of the heavy rains. She appealed that government should consider allowing the students sit for their exams from the island.
Resident James Timbikira said travel becomes difficult whenever it rains, affecting both pupils and traders on the island.
In Lira City, the examinations started on time at all centers. At Adyel Primary School and Mantle Day and Boarding Primary School, officials confirmed that materials arrived early and all registered candidates were present, ensuring a smooth exercise.
In contrast, schools in flood- and landslide-affected districts such as Otuke remained cut off as roads and bridges were washed away. Examination materials reached some centers late due to the poor road network.
In Otuke, several schools faced further setbacks. At Aliwang Primary School, the number of delivered papers was less than the number of registered candidates. District Education Officer Lucy Aceng said they resolved the issue by borrowing extra papers from a nearby school that had received more than its allocation.
District Education Officer Lucy Aceng expressed concern that delays in distributing examination materials could persist, as roads in flood- and landslide-prone areas remain in poor condition. She noted that officials cannot increase the number of distributors or change the delivery schedule, since the system is designed for strict security and accountability.
UNEB enforces a fixed distribution time, usually 7:30 a.m., to ensure distributors spend at least one hour delivering papers. Allowing early distribution or long gaps between delivery and the exam start can create opportunities for malpractice. In previous years, teachers exploited weak points in rural distribution, photocopying parcels and sharing them with other schools.
On day two of PLE, students began with Integrated Science in the morning and will sit the English paper in the evening, concluding the examination.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams are in their final week, with candidates sitting for Art and Food and Nutrition in the morning, and three elective papers in the evening, including Latin Comprehension and Writing, Uganda Sign Language, and Art markinjg (Production).
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