Written By |
Circular
Search
Bushenyi
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has moved to widen the pool of invigilators for this year’s Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) after a strike by arts teachers raised fears of disruption.
In a circular dated October 14, 2025, UNEB Executive Director Dan N. Odongo warned that the ongoing industrial action by primary school teachers could affect the turnout of invigilators during the national examinations.
“The industrial action by primary school teachers is still on and might affect the turnout of teachers for PLE invigilation,” the letter reads in part.
Odongo urged District, Municipal, and City Inspectors of Schools to use all possible means to persuade teachers to participate and to ensure prompt payment for those who accept the task.
To address possible shortages, UNEB advised districts to recruit teachers from private schools, those not yet on the government payroll, available secondary school teachers, and retired but capable educators willing to serve.
Some of the teachers striking a few months ago
The Board’s appeal comes at a time when arts teachers, under their umbrella association UNATU, are protesting the government’s failure to increase their salaries in line with those of science teachers.
In 2022, the government enhanced the salaries of science teachers, leaving their arts counterparts behind—a decision that has since fueled recurring strikes and tension in the education sector.
Odongo’s circular, themed “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment,” reflects UNEB’s concern that the strike could jeopardize the smooth conduct of this year’s PLE examinations across the country. “We pray that all will be well,” Odongo said in conclusion.
The PLE is expected to start later this month, with thousands of candidates registered across the country.
Torch Media Africa
