As per the 2024 PLE timetable, candidates will be briefed by their headteachers on Monday, November 4, for two hours starting at 9 A.M.
The examinations will commence on Wednesday, November 6, with Mathematics at 9 A.M., followed by Social Studies and Religious Education in the afternoon.
The exams will conclude on Thursday, November 7, with Integrated Science and English.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) unveiled the 2024 national examination timetable on October 1, introducing a new curriculum into the testing process.
This year, UNEB will administer four types of exams: the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) for the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC), UCE (Transitional Exam for the Old Curriculum), Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
The examinations, themed “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment,” will span different dates as outlined below:
- UCE (NLSC): October 11 to November 8, 2024
- UCE (Transitional): October 11 to November 15, 2024
- PLE: November 4 to 7, 2024
- UACE: November 8 to December 6, 2024
Dan N. Odongo, UNEB’s Executive Director, underscored the board's commitment to upholding the integrity and security of the exams while adopting a more comprehensive approach to assessing students. “We are dedicated to ensuring the integrity and security of our examinations,” Odongo said.
The 2024 exams will feature assessments under both the new secondary curriculum and the transitional exam for students from the old curriculum, particularly catering to those who were unable to sit the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exam in 2023.
According to UNEB, a total of 1,320,400 candidates have registered for the exams, marking a 7.8% increase from last year's numbers. Female candidates constitute 51.1% of the total registrants.
Notably, there has been a significant rise in the number of candidates for both the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), with a 28.4% increase, and the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), which saw a 6.6% rise.
UNEB has issued a stern warning against examination malpractice, reminding candidates, parents, and educators to familiarise themselves with the regulations to avoid any breaches. “Involvement in malpractice may lead to the cancellation of results and could also result in legal consequences,” Odongo warned.
As preparations for the 2024 exams are underway, Odongo called on all stakeholders, students, parents, and teachers, to work together to ensure the process runs smoothly and effectively.