The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has completed the marking of the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), according to officials. Following this, the board is now carrying out quality checks, data verification, and grading to ensure accurate results. These processes are expected to be finalized within the next two weeks.

Once completed, UNEB will brief the First Lady and Minister of Education, Mrs. Janet Museveni, who will then approve the official release date. Last year’s PLE results were published on January 23, 2025, and sources indicate that a similar schedule will be followed this year. The timely release will allow students to register for Senior One without delays.

UNEB’s Principal Public Relations Officer, Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, confirmed that markers have finished their work and that quality assurance is currently underway. She also warned against fraudsters who claim they can alter grades or remove schools from lists flagged for exam malpractice. UNEB urges headteachers and school directors to report such cases to the police or contact UNEB directly through their toll-free lines.

A total of 817,885 candidates registered for the 2025 PLE, up from 797,444 in 2024 — an increase of 2.5%. These students were registered across 16,140 examination centers, with 389,529 boys and 428,356 girls. Of these candidates, 522,039 (64%) are government-funded under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, while 295,846 (36%) are privately sponsored. Notably, 61 candidates are inmates from Upper Prison School Luzira.

School Calendar and Reopening
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that schools will reopen as planned. According to the approved calendar for 2026:

• Pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools start the first term on February 2, 2026, running for 89 days until May 1, 2026.

• Senior One placement exercises will begin on January 29, 2026, while Senior Five exercises start on February 12, 2026.

• Senior One students report on February 16, 2026, and Senior Five on February 23, 2026.

The ministry has also reminded schools to avoid teaching during official holidays without written permission and to follow scheduled school hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm for primary and secondary schools, and 8:00 am – 12:00 pm for pre-primary. Non-compliance with the calendar may result in disciplinary action against school leaders.

Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, the ministry permanent secretary, advised schools to coordinate open-days, student elections, and other events to prevent clashes and ensure safe and orderly conduct.