By Enock Katamba | Uncovered UG
Published: 9th November 2026Â
Uganda’s 2026 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations begin on Monday, November 9, with 203,809 candidates expected to sit their final secondary school examinations at centres across the country.
The examinations mark an important milestone for thousands of Senior Six students hoping to complete their secondary education and take the next step towards university, other higher learning institutions and professional careers.
However, as candidates prepare to put years of classroom learning to the test, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has reminded school administrators of their responsibility to ensure learners understand examination rules and avoid practices that could jeopardise their results.
Also Read: UNEB releases 2025 UACE results as candidate numbers rise by 17%
In a report published by Daily Monitor on November 6, UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule said the board had registered 203,809 candidates for this year’s UACE examinations, up from 166,400 in 2025.
The increase represents a 22.4 per cent rise in candidature, reflecting a significant growth in the number of learners reaching the advanced level of secondary education.
More male candidates registered
The registration figures show that male candidates account for a slightly larger share of this year’s candidature.
According to UNEB, 106,361 males, representing 52 per cent, have registered for the examinations, while 97,448 females account for the remaining 48 per cent.
The figures highlight the continued participation of both male and female learners in Uganda’s advanced secondary education system.
Interestingly, this year’s examination list also includes 41 inmates from Upper Prison Secondary School in Luzira, Kampala.
The group comprises 40 male inmates and one female inmate, demonstrating how access to education can provide opportunities for personal development even among people serving prison sentences.
Uganda Prisons Service has continued to support education programmes within correctional facilities, allowing inmates to pursue academic qualifications and prepare for opportunities beyond incarceration.
History and Mathematics open the examinations
According to the UNEB timetable, candidates begin their written papers on November 9 with History and Principal Mathematics.
History Paper I, covering World Socio-Economic and Political History since 1800, and Principal Mathematics Paper I are scheduled for the morning session.
In the afternoon, candidates are expected to sit History Paper II, covering World Affairs since 1789, alongside Principal Mathematics Paper II.
On Tuesday, November 10, the examination programme continues with Economics and Chemistry papers.
The examinations are scheduled to run until November 26, when candidates will complete assessments in several subjects, including local languages such as Luganda, Runyankole/Rukiga, Lusoga, Ateso, Lugbarati and other languages.
UNEB warns schools against examination malpractice
As the examination period begins, UNEB has urged heads of examination centres to personally ensure candidates are properly briefed on examination instructions and regulations.
The board says inadequate guidance could expose learners to mistakes that may result in disqualification or cancellation of their examination results.
Candidates are expected to follow all examination procedures, avoid unauthorised materials and refrain from any form of cheating or collusion.
School administrators have also been reminded that examination security is a shared responsibility involving candidates, teachers, invigilators and other officials overseeing the process.
For many students, the consequences of examination malpractice could be costly, potentially undoing years of academic preparation.
A new chapter under the competence-based curriculum
This year’s UACE candidates are also significant because they are the first group to have progressed through the lower secondary competence-based curriculum introduced in 2020.
The learners sat their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations in 2024 under the competence-based assessment model.
UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule explained that although the UACE curriculum has not been completely overhauled, assessments have been aligned with competence-based learning guidelines provided by the National Curriculum Development Centre.
The approach places greater emphasis on learners demonstrating their understanding, applying knowledge and developing practical skills rather than relying entirely on memorisation.
As the 2026 UACE examinations get underway, candidates across Uganda now face an important opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout their secondary school journey.
For the 203,809 registered learners, the coming weeks will be a test of preparation, discipline and determination, with their performance expected to shape their next steps in education and future careers.
Source: Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), as reported by Daily Monitor.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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