UNEB Extends Normal Registration for UCE and UACE Candidates
By Kyeyune Ali
Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has extended the normal registration period for candidates sitting the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations to June 30, 2026.
The announcement was made today at the Media Centre in Kampala, where UNEB officials confirmed that registration for candidates is currently underway across the country. Registration for Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidates continues as scheduled, while the extension for UCE and UACE is intended to accommodate newly accredited examination centres in various schools nationwide.
According to UNEB, late registration for all categories of candidates — PLE, UCE and UACE — will begin on July 1 and close on July 31, 2026. The Board emphasized that there will be no registration after the July deadline.
“Centres are urged to complete the registration process early within the allowed period to avoid congestion that usually occurs near the deadline,” UNEB said in a statement.
The Board explained that the extension will also allow examination centres enough time to correct errors in candidates’ submitted information, including names, gender and date of birth, without being charged. Any amendments made after the normal registration period will attract a fee of Shs50,000 per correction.
Government Sponsorship Maintained
UNEB further confirmed that the Government of Uganda will continue paying registration fees for all learners sponsored under the Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), and Universal Post O-Level Education and Training programmes.
Heads of schools and examination centres have been advised to ensure that all eligible government-sponsored candidates are registered within the normal registration period.
For privately sponsored candidates, registration fees remain unchanged:
– PLE — Shs34,000
– UCE — Shs164,000
– UACE — Shs186,000
UNEB also advised parents, candidates and head teachers to verify the correct spelling and arrangement of candidates’ names before registration. The Board said names should match official documents such as birth certificates or National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) records.
Strict Warning Against Fraud
Speaking during the briefing, UNEB Executive Director Mr Dan N. Odongo warned school administrators against failing to register candidates after collecting examination fees.
“The Board cautions heads of centres or their representatives to ensure that all UNEB registration fees are remitted and that students are duly registered for examinations. Failure to do so is an offence punishable by law,” Mr Odongo said.
He added that offenders risk a fine not exceeding 2,000 currency points — equivalent to Shs40 million — or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
Mr Odongo also warned government-aided schools against registering privately sponsored candidates as government-sponsored learners, describing the practice as fraudulent and financially damaging to the government.
“Any head teacher or school director found engaging in this malpractice will be required to refund twice the amount defrauded, face legal action, and the school’s examination centre number may be withdrawn,” he stated.
Foreign Results and Adult Candidates
UNEB further announced that candidates with foreign academic results must first have their marks equated by the Board before registration. After verification, such candidates will receive unique codes enabling them to register electronically.
The same procedure will apply to adult candidates and individuals who have legally changed their names.
UNEB has urged all schools, parents and candidates to comply with the registration guidelines to avoid inconveniences during the examination period.