Uganda’s 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) have taken a dramatic turn in Kotido Municipality, as the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) withholds results for 45 pupils from Kotido Army Primary School. Only 17 candidates have had their results released, sparking confusion and frustration among families.
The examining body has cited suspicions of external assistance during the exams as the reason for the withheld results. In a letter dated 14 February 2026, UNEB instructed the affected pupils, along with the school’s invigilators, to appear in Kampala on 27 February 2026 to defend their Mathematics performance.
Parents of the affected children have voiced their anger over the situation. Beatrice Auma, one of the concerned guardians, questioned how some results could be released while others remain in limbo, pointing out the financial strain this places on families already juggling education costs.Headteacher Simon Tito Elanyu confirmed that during a recent meeting, parents of the affected students agreed to contribute UGX 100,000 per pupil to cover transportation costs for the trip to Kampala.
He urged those yet to pay to comply promptly to ensure their children can attend the scheduled defense.The call for candidates to defend their results comes at a particularly stressful time, as the Ministry of Education recently announced the dates for Senior One and Senior Five admissions. Delays in resolving the matter could affect the pupils’ timely placement in secondary schools.
Elanyu emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, explaining that UNEB’s directive is meant to ensure that all students’ results reflect genuine individual effort. He reassured parents that the defense process would be fair and thorough.Despite the school’s efforts to manage the situation, many parents remain skeptical, fearing that procedural delays could disadvantage their children in the competitive senior school selection process.
The community has been vocal on social media, calling for swift resolution and clear communication from UNEB.As the 27 February deadline approaches, the focus is now on the affected pupils and their ability to justify their performance under close scrutiny. The coming week will determine whether these 45 students can reclaim their results and secure their spots in senior schools, ending a tense and uncertain chapter for Kotido Army Primary School families.
