The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the 2024 examination timetable for the Four Examinations (4Es), with a focus on maintaining security and offering a comprehensive evaluation of learners in an evolving academic landscape.

This year marks a key development as UNEB implements the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC) for Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) candidates, while still conducting a transitional exam using the old curriculum. The latter will cater to students who missed the 2023 exams or wish to retake them.

UNEB Executive Director, Dan N. Odongo, highlighted that 1,320,400 students have enrolled for this year’s exams, representing a 7.8% rise from the 1,224,371 registered in 2023. Female candidates make up 51.1% of this year’s cohort, while males account for 48.9%.

Significant growth has been seen in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams, with 142,017 candidates registered, a notable 28.4% jump from 110,579 last year. The Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) have also experienced a 6.6% increase in enrolment, from 749,371 in 2023 to 798,763 in 2024.

UNEB has reinforced the importance of safeguarding the examination process and ensuring that students are assessed comprehensively. “This year’s theme, ‘Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment,’ underscores our dedication to upholding the credibility of the examinations,” Odongo remarked.

The detailed timetable is as follows:

UCE exams under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum will begin on October 11 and conclude on November 8, 2024. The transitional UCE exams following the old curriculum will be held from October 11 to November 15, 2024.

PLE will be conducted from November 4 to November 7, 2024.

UACE exams are scheduled to start on November 8 and end on December 6, 2024.

UNEB continues to urge all stakeholders to ensure the integrity of the exam process throughout the country.

UNEB has also introduced new subjects and assessment modalities, including Ugandan Sign Language (USL) and Physical Education (PE). A total of 72 candidates have registered for USL, while 15,000 candidates have registered for PE.

In addition, UNEB will assess learners’ achievements in listening and speaking for foreign languages, including Latin and Arabic. This marks a departure from previous years, where these languages were assessed solely through pen-and-paper examinations.

Continuous Assessment (CA) scores must be submitted to UNEB through the school portal by October 30, 2024. Candidates without CA scores in any subject offered will not be graded.

Heads of centers can access the examination timetables through their school portals, while hard copies have been distributed along with other stationery. Braille versions of the UCE and UACE timetables have been provided for visually impaired candidates.

The display of candidates’ registers, as required by the UNEB Act 2021, continues until October 10, 2024. Candidates and parents are advised to verify registration status and correctness of bio-data.

UNEB has cautioned candidates against involvement in examination malpractice, emphasizing that such actions may lead to cancellation of results or disqualification.

Odongo concluded, “The successful conduct of this year’s Four Examinations is a joint responsibility by all stakeholders. We urge candidates, parents, teachers, and heads of centers to take keen interest in the precautions highlighted in the timetable and provide necessary counseling and guidance.”