Africa-Press – Uganda. The Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, has inaugurated the 12th Board of Directors of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) on behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Kataaha Museveni, urging members to uphold integrity, accountability and innovation in the management of national examinations.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Monday at Hotel Eliana in Kampala and marked a key milestone in efforts to strengthen the credibility, efficiency and effectiveness of Uganda’s national assessment system.
In a speech delivered on her behalf, Ms Museveni underscored the central role UNEB plays in national development, noting that the credibility of examinations directly shapes public trust in the education system and the quality of Uganda’s human capital.
She thanked God for the successful conduct of the 2025 national examinations and called on the new Board to jealously guard the integrity of the assessment process.
The minister said the 12th UNEB Board was appointed in accordance with Sections 6(2) and 6(3) of the UNEB Act, 2021, and comprises representatives from Government, universities, other education institutions, statutory agencies and persons with disabilities, reflecting broad stakeholder representation.
She congratulated the chairperson and members on their appointment and expressed confidence in their experience, competence and commitment to public service.
Ms Museveni reminded Board members of their statutory role as Uneb’s governing body, responsible for providing strategic direction, ensuring sound governance and overseeing the effective execution of the Board’s mandate.
She urged them to maintain professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct while fostering a constructive working relationship with management to enhance service delivery.
She further encouraged the Board to adopt a forward-looking and innovative approach in addressing emerging challenges such as examination security, digital transformation, inclusiveness and alignment of assessments with national education goals.
While reaffirming Government’s continued support to Uneb, the minister emphasized prudent resource management, strict adherence to due process and zero tolerance for examination malpractice.
She also commended the outgoing 11th Uneb Board for key achievements, including overseeing the implementation of Competence-Based Assessment under the new Lower Secondary Curriculum, timely release of PLE, UCE and UACE results despite funding constraints, reduction in examination malpractice, development of institutional policies and initiation of the e-Assessment and Digital Centre.
Addressing funding challenges facing Uneb, Muyingo pledged to engage the Ministry of Education and Sports to enhance financial support and ensure the Board effectively delivers on its mandate.
In his remarks, Uneb Executive Director Dan Odongo cautioned members of the new Board against undue influence and individuals seeking favours that could compromise the integrity of the examinations process.
He urged them to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to established procedures.
The newly inaugurated 13-member Board is chaired by Prof Celestino Obua, who retains the position for a second term.
As the 12th Board assumes office, members have been urged to serve with responsibility, teamwork and patriotism, mindful that their decisions will have a lasting impact on millions of learners and the future of the country.
