Education Minister, Janet Museveni, has prohibited schools from publicly displaying the names and grades of learners who sat for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations.
The minister’s directive comes after concerns were raised about the potential harm caused by publicly disclosing learners’ personal data, including their names, photographs, and individual grades.
Speaking at the release of the 2024 UCE results, Minister Museveni said that publicly displaying learners’ results exposes them to harassment, stigma, and emotional distress.
“The Data Protection and Privacy Act prohibits the publication of personal data of children, and as a ministry, we must ensure that we comply with this law,” she said.
The minister directed the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and other examination agencies to advise schools on alternative methods of sharing examination outcomes without compromising learners’ privacy.
Schools have been instructed to use secure online platforms or provide individual results to learners and their parents, rather than displaying them publicly.
Just in! @JanetMuseveni, the Minister of @Educ_SportsUg, has released the #UCE2024 examinations Results pic.twitter.com/e2Me4DostT
— Uganda National Examinations Board (@UNEB_UG) February 11, 2025
The Ministry of Education and Sports has also announced that the selection exercise for Senior Five students will take place on February 20-21, 2025.
The exercise, which will determine the placement of students in various secondary schools, is a crucial step in the education journey of students who have just completed their O-Level studies.
Mrs. Museveni, said the selection exercise will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, with students being placed in schools based on their performance in the UCE examinations.
“The selection exercise is a critical process that determines the future of our students,” Minister Museveni said. “We urge all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students, to cooperate with us to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.”
The Minister also announced that the first-term reporting date for Senior Five students will be Monday, March 3, 2025.
The selection exercise is expected to attract thousands of students from across the country, all vying for limited spots in top secondary schools.
Education officials have assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and efficient exercise.
The selection exercise for Senior Five students is a annual event that is eagerly anticipated by students, parents, and educators alike. It marks an important milestone in the education journey of students, and sets the stage for their future academic and professional pursuits.
