By George Bukenya
Kampala, Uganda —A secondary school head teacher and seven others have been arrested for allegedly involving in examination malpractice, the errant teacher has been identified as Ms. Kakkazi Sumaiyah from Kazo Central Secondary located in Lugoba, Kawempe Division.
According to Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) spokesperson, Jennifer Kalule, the head teacher was arrested by police officers at Lugoba Police Station in Kawempe for allegedly preventing three candidates from sitting the English examination paper one over outstanding school dues contrary to the Board’s policy.
Speaking to reporters at Naguru based police headquarters, Kalule also reported an incident at Abongomola Seed Secondary School, where 16 candidates allegedly accessed Biology specimens and apparatus in the practical examination room before the examination commenced on October 15.
“A teacher of the same school was also reported to have accessed the examination room with a mobile phone. The case was reported to police, and the candidates were allowed to write their examination papers pending investigations,” Kalule stated.
In another incident, police at Old Kampala are investigating a student of Old Kampala Secondary School who was allegedly found with a mobile phone during the Mathematics examination.
“The male candidate is also said to have taken photographs of the paper. He was however allowed to continue writing his examination as investigations continue,” Kalule said.
Meanwhile in Lira City, two suspects, including the City Inspector of Schools, were also arrested over alleged extortion of money from primary school head teachers.
The suspects allegedly solicited money from head teachers who had reportedly declared privately registered candidates as Universal Primary Education (UPE) candidates.
Kalule identified the suspects as Tom Ronald Omara, the Lira City Inspector of Schools, and Ambrose Okot, also known as William Musinguzi.
She said the two appeared before a magistrate’s court on Friday, October 16, and denied the charges against them.
It is further alleged that Okot falsely presented himself as the head of UNEB’s legal team.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing legal process.
In the other incident, four people suspected of impersonating Parish Internal Security Officers (PISOs) and District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) were reportedly found collecting information from Queen of Martyrs School.
The matter was reported to the security team for follow-up, according to Kalule.
The incident was reported under Kiira Police Storage Station, although further details about the suspects and the nature of the information they were collecting were not immediately available.
As candidates approach the completion of their major examination papers, UNEB has cautioned them to remain calm and adhere to examination rules and school regulations.
“Kalule said, “a number of candidates will be completing their major papers this week. We, however, urge them to remain calm and follow school rules and regulations.’’
She warned that examination-related misconduct could have serious consequences to candidates.
“Candidates are hereby cautioned that acts of indiscipline can lead to disqualification, cancellation of results or even arrest of such students,” she warned.
The Board’s mouth piece also called on parents who have access to their children to caution them against engaging in examination malpractice or other forms of indiscipline.
“UNEB does not condone indiscipline acts in any way,” she emphasised. The board continues to urge candidates, teachers and school administrators to observe examination regulations to protect the integrity and credibility of t