UNEB believes this move would reduce incentives for malpractice, refocus education on genuine learning, and restore credibility to primary school certification.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has proposed abolishing the aggregate-based grading system for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), citing it as a major driver of examination malpractice.
UNEB Chairperson, Prof. Celestino Obua made the appeal during the release of the 2025 PLE results, highlighting the intense pressure on schools to produce candidates with the best aggregates, particularly Aggregate 4.
The proposed system would replace numerical aggregates with an assessment framework focusing on competency and individual subject performance, mirroring reforms already implemented at the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) level.
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UNEB believes this move would reduce incentives for malpractice, refocus education on genuine learning, and restore credibility to primary school certification.
Obua attributed the escalating desperation among school directors and headteachers to parental and societal expectations for top aggregates, leading to sophisticated cheating networks. He cited cases of examination papers being compromised at distribution points and the involvement of district education officials.
In Kassanda District, UNEB’s security team uncovered a leakage network, leading to arrests and convictions. Eight individuals have been convicted, with 15 cases pending in courts across the country.
UNEB’s efforts to curb malpractice are intensifying, with leakages at the UNEB level declining, but new vulnerabilities emerging at the distribution stage.
The proposal to scrap the aggregate system is a step towards addressing these issues and promoting a more holistic approach to education. As Prof. Obua emphasized, “By eliminating the aggregate obsession, we can significantly reduce incentives for malpractice, refocus education on genuine learning, and restore credibility to primary school certification.”
The Ministry of Education had previously shelved the proposal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with the education system stabilizing, UNEB is pressing for its revival. If approved, the new system would mark a significant shift in Uganda’s approach to primary education assessment.
The move has sparked debate, with some arguing it will reduce pressure on students, while others worry about the impact on academic competition. What are your thoughts on UNEB’s proposal? Should Uganda prioritize competency-based assessment over traditional aggregate grading?
