Atotal of 798,742 pupils are set to sit for Primary Leaving Examination this year, Uganda National Examination Board UNEB Executive Director Daniel Odongo has revealed.
He however attributes the surge to growing demand for primary education across the country.
“We are witnessing an ever-expanding education system, which places additional demands on our resources, both in terms of logistics and security,” Odongo stated.
Odongo has pledged to increase the pay for invigilators to support the smooth and fair administration of exams going forward.
” As candidate numbers continue to rise, UNEB remains committed to maintaining the credibility of national examinations while accommodating the expanding cohort of learners in Uganda’s education system,” Odongo stressed.
In terms of expenditure,Uganda National Examination Board is seeking Shs6.5 billion in its 2024/25 budget to cater to the provision of five daily meals, utilities, and basic health services for examiners and checkers during examination marking.
With only Shs10.2 billion allocated in the budget, there’s a shortfall of Shs16.7 billion.
The same entity further requires Shs1.3 billion to bolster security features on result slips issued to learners. These funds will cover ICT consumables for processing and printing examinations, considering the escalating costs.