S.4 Candidates Begin 2026 UCE Examination Journey Across Uganda

Senior Four candidates across Uganda have officially begun their 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination journey, with candidates receiving their mandatory briefing on Thursday, October 8, ahead of the written examinations.

The 2026 UCE examinations are being conducted under the new competency-based curriculum, marking another important stage in Uganda's transition to the new assessment system.

According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), written examinations will officially begin on Monday, October 12.

This year's UCE candidature has increased significantly, with 503,214 candidates registered compared to 433,163 in 2025, representing a 16.4 percent increase.

UNEB Calls for Discipline and Understanding

UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo has continued to emphasise the importance of proper candidate briefing and understanding examination rules as candidates prepare to sit their national examinations.

Odongo has previously warned that inadequate briefing can contribute to examination malpractice because some candidates may fail to understand what constitutes an examination offence and the rules governing the examination room.

Teachers have therefore been urged to take time to explain the examination guidelines clearly and deeply to candidates, particularly issues surrounding examination malpractice.

Candidates have also been encouraged to remain calm, follow instructions from examination officials and rely on their preparation rather than attempting to gain an unfair advantage.

UNEB has continued to take a firm stance against examination malpractice, with several individuals facing legal consequences for offences committed during previous examination cycles.

As the examination period gets underway, parents, teachers and school administrators are expected to provide the necessary support to candidates while encouraging them to maintain discipline and focus throughout the examination period.

For thousands of learners across the country, the 2026 UCE examinations represent the culmination of years of study and preparation and the beginning of a new chapter in their education journey.