In a shocking case of examination malpractice, two teachers in Kampala disguised themselves as toilet cleaners to help students cheat on their exams. The teachers, stationed at Joy Primary School in Lubowa, were identified as attempting to provide exam answers to candidates under the guise of maintaining the school’s bathrooms.
The candidates reportedly left the exam room one by one, claiming they needed to use the restroom. However, once there, they met with the teachers, who were ready to supply answers. Their strategy was discovered after invigilators observed the candidates’ unusual pattern of bathroom visits, sparking suspicion.
This incident is one of several reported cases of exam malpractice across the country as UNEB and local authorities intensify their crackdown on cheating during national exams.
At St. Noah Primary School in Katwe, another case of deception was uncovered when Eric Baryazayo allegedly presented Primary six students to invigilators for inspection while the actual candidates were hidden in another room, where they studied the mathematics paper undisturbed. The attempt was foiled when a UNEB scout discovered the hidden candidates.
In Iganga District, a similar incident unfolded with 97 candidates from New Hope Children’s Center in Bugweri found taking exams at Teso View Guest House instead of their registered examination center, Kasozi Primary School. Allegedly, impersonators had been hired by the school administration to sit for exams at the official center while the actual candidates were hidden offsite. UNEB officials, working with local police, uncovered the operation, leading to ongoing investigations
Police officers arrested Kwagala Ronny, the school director and staff at the guest house on grounds that they aided and abetted exam malpractice.
Jennifer Kalule, the UNEB spokesperson revealed another illegal game plan in Mpigi, the plot thickened at St. Mugaga Primary School, where teachers reportedly went the extra mile for their students by smuggling in pre-written answers. Seven suspects, including teachers, were caught red-handed by a UNEB scout trying to write mathematics material on the blackboard. Among those arrested included Dhabangi Charles, a uneb scout, Dramadri Alex, Nakasana Olivia, Nabukenya Faridah, Tibiwa Mwajuma, all invigilators.
Meanwhile, in Kazo, exam cheating went digital as three suspects, including school administrators, allegedly shared exam content on social media, selling examination papers for SST and Mathematics via telegram and other social media platforms.
Kalule called this a “disturbing trend” that shows how cheating is evolving with the times.
Kalule reminded the public that UNEB isn’t playing around with offenders. Under the UNEB Act, anyone caught in exam malpractice faces up to UGX 40 million in fines or a prison sentence of up to five years.
UNEB has deployed scouts at exam centers nationwide, with a clear message: cheat at your own peril.
UNEB is calling on the public to help fight the good fight if you see something.
