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By Our Staff Reporter
Uganda | 13 March 2026-The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has announced improved performance in the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations compared to the previous year.
Speaking during the official release of the results, UNEB Executive Director Dan N. Odongo said the overall performance of candidates showed progress, particularly in the number of students obtaining principal passes.
According to the results, 165,171 candidates sat for the 2025 UACE examinations. Out of these, 98.9 percent qualified for the UACE certificate, while 1.1 percent failed.
Increase in Principal Passes
The statistics show that 68,906 candidates (41.7%) obtained three principal passes, an increase from 54,338 candidates (38.6%) recorded in 2024.
Candidates with two principal passes were 44,385 (26.9%), while 31,838 candidates (19.3%) obtained one principal pass.
Additionally, 18,152 candidates (11%) received one subsidiary pass, while 1,891 candidates (1.1%) failed the examinations.
Education officials say the results indicate a steady improvement in the academic performance of students at the advanced level.
More Students Qualify for University
Under the current admission requirements in Uganda, universities usually consider two principal passes as the minimum requirement for most degree programmes.
Based on the 2025 results, 113,291 candidates (68.6%) qualify for university admission, compared to 92,273 candidates (65.5%) in 2024.
Officials say the increase in the number of qualifying candidates is partly due to a higher number of students who registered for the examination in 2025.
The report also notes that universities may need to provide about 21,018 additional spaces to accommodate the growing number of eligible students.
For diploma-level programmes offered by technical and vocational institutions, where admission may require one principal pass and two subsidiary passes, about 145,129 candidates (87.9%) qualify for admission.
Low Cases of Examination Malpractice
Meanwhile, UNEB reported that examination malpractice cases remained low during the 2025 examinations.
According to Odongo, 351 candidates were involved in malpractice cases, representing 0.2 percent of the total candidates. The cases were reported from 47 out of the 2,452 examination centres across the country.
The malpractice cases mainly involved receiving assistance during science practical examinations, possession of unauthorized materials, and impersonation.
UNEB said the results of candidates suspected to have been involved in malpractice have been withheld pending completion of investigations, in line with the UNEB Act.
Hearings for Malpractice Cases
The examinations body further revealed that it is currently handling malpractice cases from the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE). Hearings for the UACE cases will begin on 16 March 2026.
Education authorities say the improved performance in the 2025 UACE results reflects continued efforts by schools, teachers, and students to improve academic standards in Uganda’s education system.
