By Mike Rwothomio

Primary Seven (P.7) learners in Zombo District have articulated high academic aspirations following the inaugural day of the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), with candidates predicting credit-level distinctions in Mathematics.

At Mvungu Upper Primary School in Paidha Town Council, a consolidated examination centre hosting Mvungu Upper and Mvungu Lower Primary Schools , Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) supervisors maintained rigorous assessment integrity as learners engaged with the Mathematics paper.

Candidates reacts after the first paper

Waseme Susan (Mvungu Lower): “As this centre, the first paper was not difficult, I believe I will score a Credit 3 in Mathematics and urge my friends not to panic"

Mungudit Aron from Mvungu Lower said “The items were accessible; I anticipate a Credit 4.”

Ajolorwoth Faith from Mvungu Upper said " I see my self scoring Credit 5-6 in Mathematics"

Mr. Grisim Aniku, Headteacher of Mvungu Upper Primary School, reported 154 registered candidates (106 from Mvungu Upper; 48 from Mvungu Lower), with only two absences from Mvungu Upper.

He confirmed zero malpractice incidents, supported by UNEB scouts from Terego District and five invigilators.

District Snapshot

Mr. Patrick Angala, District Education Officer (DEO), verified 2,768 candidates (1,720 males; 1,048 females) across 67 centres, including 420 from private institutions.

“The process is smoothly unfolding with no irregularities,” Angala stated, highlighting centre consolidation for operational efficiency.

UNEB reports 817,885 candidates nationwide , up from 797,444 in 2024, under the watch of over 60,000 personnel at 16,140 centres.

Meanwhile in Lira , three arrests occurred for alleged bribery of supervisors. Per UNEB Act Section 26(1), convictions yield up to five years’ imprisonment, a UGX 20 million fine, or both, according to UNEB Principal Public Relations Officer Jenifer Kalule.

Some Anonymous educators in Zombo predict poor performance of learners, attributing it to the recent one-month teachers’ strike, potentially exacerbating Zombo’s 10% school dropout rate.

In 2024 PLE Outcomes , Zombo recorded:

• Division 1: 23
• Division 2: 835
• Division 3: 950
• Division 4: 459
• Ungraded: 333
• Absent: 25

The PLE progresses with English, Integrated Science, and Social Studies papers.

Primary Seven Candidates from Mvungu Lower and Upper Primary Schools in Paidha town council, Zombo District after their first Paper on November 3, 2025.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information