Students in Kasese District, Uganda, have expressed their confidence and optimism about successfully completing the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, thanks to the deployment of police and army personnel. The enhanced security presence has provided them with a sense of safety as they embark on their UCE examinations set by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

The students shared their sentiments with New Vision Online as they prepared to write the first examination paper. This reassurance comes after a series of attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels along the Uganda-DR Congo border, with the most recent attack occurring on October 13, 2023. This attack resulted in a moving trailer being set ablaze, two fatalities, and two individuals sustaining injuries.

The recent incidents have caused fear and trauma among learners, particularly the S4 candidates, following a previous attack on June 16, 2023, in which over 42 people were killed, many of whom were students of Mpondwe Lhubiria SSS.

The government has responded to these security concerns by beefing up security in schools and other government institutions, especially health facilities, to ensure the safety of students.

Students’ Testimonies:

• Augustine Lobe, a candidate at Hillside High School in Mpondwe Lhubiriha town council, expressed that they were initially shocked by the ADF’s attack on a moving vehicle. However, the headteacher’s reassurance that the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defense Force) would provide security boosted their confidence. He added that seeing the police during the day and UPDF soldiers at night has provided them with a sense of security.
• Jovilet Biira, a student of King Jesus College Mubuku, mentioned that the ADF attack in 2023 left her traumatized and fearful, leading to her poor performance in mock exams. However, her hope was restored when she realized that UPDF soldiers patrolled their school at night. She now feels confident about her final exams.
• Catherine Atukwase, a student of Standard High School in Nyamwamba division of Kasese municipality, appreciated the government’s efforts in ensuring their security during this critical time in their education.

School Authorities’ Perspective:

• Herbert Muhindo, a deputy headteacher, called on the government to establish surveillance in border areas to prevent potential attacks on schools and other facilities, which have caused trauma and fear among learners, teachers, and parents.
• Robert Baliyo urged the government to comprehensively strengthen security in the entire district to deter potential attacks on schools during the final examination period.

Government Response:

Godfrey Kabbyang, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, reassured learners, teachers, and parents that the government has bolstered security in schools and other government facilities. He encouraged S4 candidates in the district to maintain a positive mindset and focus on their exams, emphasizing that security measures have been put in place to ensure their safety.

The increased security presence has provided much-needed reassurance to students in Kasese District, allowing them to approach their UCE examinations with confidence and optimism.