By Diana N.Kintu
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, has confirmed that the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results will be officially released on Friday, 13 February 2026, at State House, Nakasero. The announcement marks one of the most significant moments in Uganda’s academic calendar, as thousands of learners and their families await the outcome of the national examinations.
According to the Executive Director of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), Mr Dan Odongo, a total of 432,159 candidates registered for the 2025 UCE examinations. This represents a 12.1 per cent increase from the 379,748 candidates who sat the examinations in 2024. Of the total number of candidates this year, 52.7 per cent were female, while 47.3 per cent were male, reflecting a continued positive trend in girls’ participation in secondary education.
The examinations were conducted in 4,308 centres across the country under the theme: “Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment.” Mr Odongo explained that the theme highlights UNEB’s commitment to ensuring integrity, fairness and transparency throughout the examination process. He noted that every candidate deserves to be assessed in a secure and credible environment, free from malpractice and irregularities.
The release of the UCE results is more than a routine administrative exercise. For learners, it determines the next stage of their academic or professional journey. Performance in these examinations influences admission to Advanced Level studies, technical and vocational institutions, and other training opportunities. For many families, the results symbolise years of sacrifice, hope and ambition.
The rise in the number of candidates sitting the examinations is widely seen as evidence of improved access to education in Uganda. Increased enrolment suggests that more children are completing lower secondary education, in line with national efforts to promote inclusive learning. However, the growing numbers also present significant logistical and administrative challenges. Managing examinations across thousands of centres requires careful coordination, enhanced security measures and adequate staffing.
UNEB has reiterated its vigilance in addressing these demands. Mr Odongo emphasised that maintaining examination integrity remains a top priority, particularly as candidate numbers expand. Measures such as strengthened security protocols, closer monitoring of examination centres and improved coordination with local authorities have been implemented to safeguard the credibility of the process. He stressed that public confidence in national examinations depends on consistent adherence to established standards.
Education stakeholders have also been encouraged to play their part. Parents, teachers and learners are urged to approach the release of results with responsibility and resilience. While strong performance is celebrated, UNEB maintains that examination outcomes should serve as a foundation for growth rather than a final verdict on a learner’s potential.
The increasing scale of the examinations has further underscored the need for continuous investment in infrastructure and training. Improved facilities at examination centres, enhanced preparation for invigilators and supervisors, and greater awareness of examination regulations are considered essential to ensuring fairness. Such measures help guarantee that candidates, regardless of geographical location or background, are given an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
In addition, the adoption of technological innovations, including digital dissemination of results, signals a shift towards greater efficiency and transparency. Electronic systems reduce delays and minimise the risk of errors or manipulation. This approach aligns with Uganda’s broader vision of building a modern and resilient education system capable of responding to the demands of a rapidly evolving global environment. As the country prepares for the official release, anticipation continues to build among schools and communities nationwide. The forthcoming announcement represents not only an academic milestone but also a reflection of Uganda’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the quality, credibility and inclusiveness of its education sector. With sustained commitment from UNEB and the cooperation of all stakeholders, the nation aims to ensure that its examination system remains robust, fair and responsive to the aspirations of its young people.