By Diana N. Kintu
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has inaugurated its 12th Board of Directors, with renewed calls for integrity, accountability and innovation in the administration of national examinations.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni. The new Board assumes office at a time when the education sector continues to undergo significant reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes and aligning assessment systems with national development priorities.
In a message delivered by Dr Muyingo, Ms Museveni underscored the central role UNEB plays in national development, noting that the credibility of examinations directly influences public confidence in the education system.
“The credibility of national examinations directly affects public trust in the education system and the quality of Uganda’s human capital,” she said, urging Board members to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the conduct of assessments.
Ms Museveni called on the Board to safeguard the examination process against malpractice and corruption, stressing that any compromise in standards would have far-reaching consequences for learners and the country at large. She further encouraged members to adopt innovative approaches to address emerging challenges, including examination security, digital transformation, inclusiveness and the alignment of assessments with national education goals.
The 12th Board was appointed in accordance with the UNEB Act, 2021, and comprises representatives from government, universities, educational institutions, statutory agencies and persons with disabilities. The composition reflects a deliberate effort to promote inclusiveness and ensure broad stakeholder representation in the governance of national examinations.
The Board is chaired by Professor Celestino Obua, the former Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), who has been reappointed for a second term. His reappointment was described as a vote of confidence in his leadership and experience in higher education management.
Ms Museveni reaffirmed government support to UNEB but emphasised the need for prudent resource management and zero tolerance for examination malpractice. She noted that public funds entrusted to the Board must be used responsibly to strengthen assessment systems and improve service delivery.
Dr Muyingo commended the outgoing 11th Board for its achievements during a period marked by financial constraints and sector-wide reforms. He cited the successful oversight of the Competence-Based Assessment (CBA), the timely release of examination results, a reduction in cases of malpractice and the establishment of the e-Assessment and Digital Centre as notable milestones.
He also pledged to engage the Ministry of Education and Sports to advocate for increased funding to support UNEB’s expanding mandate, particularly in the area of digital assessment.
UNEB Executive Director, Dan Odongo, cautioned the new Board against undue influence from individuals seeking favours that could compromise the integrity of examinations. He urged members to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to established procedures.
“Guard against individuals seeking undue influence that could undermine the integrity of examinations. Vigilance and adherence to procedure are paramount,” Mr Odongo said. As the 12th Board begins its term, members have been urged to serve with responsibility, patriotism and commitment, mindful of the critical role UNEB plays in shaping the future of millions of learners and Uganda’s human capital development.