It’s official: the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has announced the 2026 timetable for the provisional 920,796 registered Primary 7 candidates, comprising 436,192 males and 484,604 females.

UNEB Director Dan Nokrach released the timetable at a press conference, confirming that the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) will begin on Friday, 30 October 2026, with the briefing for candidates.

The written PLE examinations will then run for two days, from Tuesday, 3 November to Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

UNEB PLE Timetable 2026

We’ll keep this page updated with any important announcements and updates about the 2026 PLE exams.

On 23 September 2026, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) released the official timetable for the 2026 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations for the 106,396 provisionally registered Senior 6 candidates.

The timetable covers the UACE examination period from the candidate briefing on Friday 7 November 2026 to the writing of candidates’ final papers on 2 December 2026.

The written UACE examinations will commence on 9 November 2026, with History Paper 1 and Principal Mathematics in the morning, and History Paper 2 and Principal Mathematics Paper 2 in the afternoon. The UACE examinations are scheduled to end on 2 December 2026.

On mobile: Rotate your phone to landscape for the best view.

Week 1 of UNEB UACE: 6 – 13 Nov. 2026

Week 2 of UNEB UACE: 16 – 20 Nov. 2026

Week 3 of UNEB UACE: 23 – 27 Nov. 2026

Week 4 of UNEB UACE: 30 Nov – 2 Dec 2026

On 23 September 2026, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) released the official timetable for the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations for the 503,214 provisionally registered Senior 4 candidates.

The timetable covers the examination period from the candidate briefing on Thursday, 08 October 2026, to the written final papers on Tuesday, 03 November 2026.

The written UCE examinations will commence on Monday, 12 October 2026, with Mathematics in the morning and General Science (Chemistry) and Chemistry in the afternoon. The 2026 UCE examinations are scheduled to end on Tuesday, 03 November 2026. The 2026 UCE candidates are the third cohort to be assessed under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) at lower secondary level.

On mobile: Rotate your phone to landscape for the best view.

First Week of UNEB UCE: 08 – 16 October 2026

Second Week of UNEB UCE: 19 – 23 October 2026

Third Week of UNEB UCE: 26 – 30 October 2026

Fourth Week of UNEB UCE: 02 – 03 November 2026

The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) grading system is one of the surest determinants of a student’s next step in life, whether it’s university, diploma programs, or other career paths. Yet the system still confuses many people. Breaking down the UACE grading system in the simplest way possible, this guide is for students, parents, or guardians who might struggle to translate the grades into points.

The UACE Grading System 2025
At UACE, commonly known as A-level, students take a combination of three principal subjects and two subsidiary subjects (mandatory General Paper (GEP) plus either Subsidiary Math or ICT).

The total score is determined by the sum of points from the principal subjects, which add up to 18 points (6 points maximum per subject), plus 2 points from the two subsidiary passes, totalling a maximum of 20 points.

UACE Principal Subjects Grading Scale
UNEB’s UACE principal subjects are graded from A to F, with each grade carrying a specific number of points.

A  = 6 points (Principal Pass)
B  = 5 points (Principal Pass)
C  = 4 points (Principal Pass)
D  = 3 points (Principal Pass)
E  = 2 points (Principal Pass)
O  = 1 point (Subsidiary-level pass in a principal subject)
F  = 0 points (Fail)

UACE Subsidiary Subject Grading Scale
The two mandatory additions: General Paper and either Sub-Math or ICT., are graded differently as below.

Distinction (D1, D2)      = 1 point
Credit (C3 – C6)              = 1 point
Pass (P7 – P8)                 = 1 points
Fail (F9)                           = 0 points

Note: To get the 1 point from a subsidiary subject, you just need to avoid an F9. Any other grade, from D1 to P8, adds exactly 1 point toward your total UACE score (out of 20).

How to Calculate Your UACE Points 2025
To calculate your total UACE score (max 20 points), sum the points from:

• General Paper (GEP): 1 point (if you achieve a grade of D1 to P8).
• Three Principal Subjects: Up to 18 points (6 points maximum per subject).
• Subsidiary Math or ICT: 1 point (if you achieve a grade of D1 to P8).

For Example, Student X scored

Total = 1+ (6 + 5 + 4) + 0 = 16 points

Or

Total = 0+(3 + 3 + 2) + 1 = 9 Points

A ResultCode 5 means the candidate is eligible to receive a UACE certificate.

Understanding Your UACE Points for University Entry
Similar to the secondary school selection process, different universities and courses have minimum UACE point requirements for admission. Below is a general overview of how these ranges usually work.

Competitive degree programs (Medicine, Law, Engineering): 15+ points
Standard degree programs: 8-14 points
Diploma courses: 4-7 points
Certificate courses or other alternatives: Less than 4 points

For more: University Courses in Uganda by A-Level Combination

These requirements can change over time, so the most reliable way to know the cut-off points is by checking directly with your preferred university.

Finally! The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) results for 2025 will be released on Friday, 13 March 2026, at 11:00 AM at State House, Nakasero. UNEB confirmed this release on its official X account.

The release of the UACE results will be conducted by the Minister of Education & Sports along with other UNEB officials.

How to Check UACE Results on MTN and Airtel Uganda
Students will be able to check their UACE results via SMS once UNEB activates the service after the official release by sending UACE [Index Number] to 6600 on Airtel and MTN Uganda.

*Confirmed* :

The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education *(UACE)* results for 2025 will be released on Friday, 13th March 2026 at 11:00 AM at State House Nakasero.

The results will be officially released by the Minister @Educ_SportsUg and Sports. pic.twitter.com/JQ1IaEobRO

— Uganda National Examinations Board (@UNEB_UG) March 11, 2026

Congratulations are in order. A-Level students have fought the good fight; they’ve come this far by sacrificing so much to be at this stage, so congratulations! Not forgetting the parents and guardians, teachers and support system who’ve done a tremendous job, you are valued. To the student still struggling with self-doubt: you have done your best, and there is still much to look forward to ahead.

Now, what does the future look like? The transition from secondary school to tertiary institutions or the job market begins! This article will focus solely on the transition into university, helping guardians and students understand the best course that aligns with specific combinations and the best universities to do them at.

Before we dive deep into the conversation on universities and combinations, let’s discuss what happens when you qualify for a UACE certificate but do not qualify to do a bachelor’s degree program. Or, what happens when you qualify for a bachelor’s degree program, but cannot afford it? Often, students find themselves embarrassed because they either do not qualify for a degree program or they cannot afford it. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, nothing to worry about. Certificates and Diplomas remain qualifications that lift you from your current position. One thing you should note is that diploma programs or Higher Education Certificates are not a sign of failure.

Kenya’s second president, Arap Moi, started with a certificate in education. Because of his determination, he rose from being a primary 3 teacher to leading a whole country for 24 years. The founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, dropped out of college after only six months of study and went ahead to establish a multimillion-dollar company. These examples aren’t to encourage you to ditch higher education; it is very fundamental in helping an individual establish their future. However, if there is no way to finance this path, do not think it is the end of the world.

Mrs Ayo Birabi, the former dean of students at Uganda Christian University (2015 – 2019) and an education enthusiast, points out that interest is key because it determines your completion of the program you set out to pursue. She says, “With that certificate or diploma, you can grow. Ask yourself what you are passionate about, what you do best that makes you feel good and focus on that. DO NOT LAMENT BECAUSE YOU’VE NOT GONE FOR A DEGREE PROGRAM.”

Ugandan University Guide for UACE Candidates
Now, when looking at Universities, the first thing to understand is that two principal passes and at least five passes at UCE are required to qualify for a bachelor’s programme at any university in Uganda. However, for science courses, a minimum of two principal passes in Mathematics and Physics are required, unlike arts courses, where principal passes are not subject-specific. Choosing what course to pursue mostly depends on the A-Level combination you took.

For example, students who did BCM/ICT and PCB/SubMath often do medical courses that require principal passes in Biology and Chemistry. Some of the medical courses open for such students are pharmacy, radiography, nursing, midwifery and dentistry.

Those who did BAG/SubMath, BAC/SubMath, BCFN/SubMath, and BAFN/SubMath tend to incline more towards health sciences. Courses in this path include Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship, Food and Nutrition, Food Processing and Food Technology, and Environmental Science.

Students who did engineering and physical sciences, Physics and Mathematics are core subjects. PCM/ICT, PEconM, PEntM, and PAM are some of the combinations that align with students seeking to pursue civil, mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications engineering. For students who did PMTD, architectural courses are the best option.

If you are looking for Universities that specialise in this field, these are a few public and private options to consider: Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda Petroleum Institute, Equator University of Science and Technology, Fins Medical University (Fort Portal) and Valley University of Science and Technology.

Haddijah Nagujja, a secondary school Physics and Chemistry teacher in Mukono, says that students are encouraged to pursue sciences if they can. However, she also notes that as teachers, they look at the strengths of their students and encourage them to focus on those. She also adds that, “competitive universities in the central region (Kampala, Mukono), may reject students because of cut off points, while universities in upcountry may accept the student regardless.”  Therefore, students are encouraged not to put all their eggs in one basket and to explore universities across the country.

Students who have done business combinations such as MEG, MEconEnt, MEconTD, and MEA are eligible to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Economics, as well as courses in Accounting and Finance, Procurement or Surveying. The core subjects for business courses are Economics and Mathematics, so having studied them is compulsory.

For arts students, their cut-off points are much higher, especially if you’re looking for a government scholarship: 18 points for a bursary bachelor’s degree and 13 points for a bursary in a diploma course. If a student has done HEG, HEFA/SM, DEG, HDL, GEL, GEA or HAL, then they’re eligible to do courses in Tourism, Law, Journalism, Counselling and Guidance, Business Administration, Social Work and Art and Design. Advantageously for art courses, there are no specific subjects one has to take to qualify.

Ainamaani Mary Patience, a recent university graduate and a secondary school teacher in Fort Portal, describes the transition from secondary school to university as a fair experience. She says, “It’s a change that comes with so much, so get prepared. Prepare your minds to adapt to change and adjust accordingly. Know what you want and stick to that.”

The shift from Secondary school to university is major. It requires a level head, a clear vision and of course money. Some universities do have financial aid options; however, even if you qualify, you will still have to cater for your feeding and personal needs. The move towards higher education encourages a balance of maturity and exploration. Be sure to have fun, but also remember your mission.

Here is a list of other Universities in Uganda to consider.
Busitema University
Gulu University
Kabale University
Kyambogo University
Lira University
Makerere University
Mountains of the Moon University
Soroti University
Uganda Management Institute
Makerere University Business School (MUBS)

African Bible College
Bishop Stuart University
Bishop Braham University College
Bugema University
Muni University
Kabale University
Busitema University
Clarke International University
Great Lakes Regional University Kanungu
ISBAT University

Islamic University in Uganda
Ibanda University
Uganda Christian University
International University of East Africa
Cavendish University
Uganda Martyrs University
St Lawrence University
Aga Khan University
Kampala International University
Uganda Technical College Bushenyi

Muteesa I Royal University
Ndejje University
Nkumba University
St Peters University
Uganda Pentecostal University
University of Sacred Heart Gulu

One thing you must always watch out for is the fake UNEB document, screenshot, or social media page claiming to announce the results date. Almost every year, a graphic circulates online, usually designed to look official, carrying the UNEB logo and a bold headline announcing when UNEB results will be released. Within hours, the post spreads across WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and Telegram channels as many people assume it is genuine.

In response, official UNEB shares the same screenshot stamped with the bold red words “FAKE NEWS,” and the cycle repeats.

This year has been no different, with a recent screenshot claiming the UACE results would be released on 6 March 2026, only for UNEB to step in, urging the public to “treat it with the contempt it deserves.” One could think of many ways to curb this misinformation, but… Anyway, when are the 2025 UACE results going to be released?

At the moment, UNEB has not yet issued an official date for the release of the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) results. However, looking at recent patterns gives a strong idea of when the 2025 senior six candidates can expect their results.

Based on past releases, the 2025 UACE results are LIKELY to come out on Thursday, 12 or Friday, 13 March 2026. In the last three years, UNEB UACE results were released on 3 March 2023, 7 March 2024, and 14 March 2025. This shows UNEB generally announces results in early to mid-March, making 12 and 13 March a probable window for this year’s release.

The results are usually unveiled in the afternoon hours at an official ceremony held at Nakasero State Lodge, presided over by the Ministry of Education and Sports and other education officials, before being made available nationwide.

When released, you can check your UACE results by sending an SMS with ‘UACE [Index Number]’ to 6600, as has been the practice.

Presented by Dan N. Odongo, the Ugandan National Examinations Board has released the results of the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, which ran from 10th October to 7th November. Here’s a summary of the 2025 UNEB UCE results.

A total of 432,163 candidates from 3,975 examination centres registered for the UCE in 2025, representing a 20.2% increase compared to 2024.

UNEB UCE 2025 Registered Senior Four Candidates by Gender
Females accounted for 227,871 candidates (52.7%), while males made up 204,292 (47.3%).

UCE 2025 Programme Category
Out of the total, 154,642 candidates (35.8%) were Universal Secondary Education (USE) beneficiaries and 277,521 (64.2%) were non-USE candidates.

UCE 2025 Examinations Attendance
Attendance was high, with 429,949 candidates (99.5%) present and 2,214 (0.5%) absent.

Special Needs Education (SNE) Candidates Registered for UCE in 2025
A total of 708 SNE candidates registered for the UCE exams, including 342 males and 366 females, down from 743 candidates in 2024.

UNEB UCE 2025 Senior Four Results Summary

Accessing UCE Results
Students can access their UCE results via SMS by sending UCE [Full Index Number] to 6600 on MTN or Airtel networks. The Executive Director also advised students who are unable to access their results to contact their schools for assistance.

When Are Senior Five Reporting to School 2026
According to the closing remarks, the Ministry of Education and Sports announced that Senior Five students, those who have received their UCE results and are advancing to UACE, will begin their first term on Thursday, 5 March 2026, following the Senior Five selection scheduled for 18-19 February 2026.

Congratulations on successfully accessing the UNEB results for the UCE exams 2025, the second year since the UNEB numerical grading system for ranking UCE candidates from D1 to F9 was replaced with letter grades of A, B, C, D, and E, following the introduction of a competency-based curriculum, Uganda’s New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC).

This shift is part of a broader education reform that integrates Continuous Assessment, Project Work, and the End-of-Cycle examination to give a more holistic measure of a learner’s competency. The final grade for each subject is derived from both Continuous Assessment (20%) and the End-of-Cycle examination (80%).

This article is a quick guide on how understand and interpret UCE results, starting with what each of the four letters stands for.

A (Exceptional Achievement) – This isn’t just your standard ‘A’. It means the student has demonstrated an extraordinary level of competency by applying knowledge and skills creatively and innovatively in real-life situations.

B (Outstanding Performance) – A student with a ‘B’ has demonstrated a high level of competence in the subject and can effectively apply what they have learned in familiar and somewhat unfamiliar situations.

C (Satisfactory Performance) – This grade reflects an adequate level of understanding and competency with the ability to apply knowledge and skills in familiar situations.

D (Basic Achievement) – The student has grasped the fundamental concepts and can apply knowledge and skills at a basic level.

E (Elementary Performance) – This is the lowest level, indicating the learner has achieved less than the basic level of competency and will struggle to apply knowledge and skills effectively in most scenarios.

What Do These Grades Mean for Your Results?
Instead of ranking students in Divisions 1-4 like before, UNEB now uses ‘Result’ categories on the transcript and certificate:

Result 1 – The student qualifies for a UCE certificate, having obtained at least a grade of D or better in at least one subject, and has met other requirements, such as sitting for the minimum number of subjects and having Project Work scores.

Result 2 – The student does not qualify for a certificate because they did not sit for some compulsory subjects, did not sit for a minimum of eight subjects, or did not have all Continuous Assessment or Project Work scores submitted.

Result 3 – The student has achieved only grade E in all subjects taken, meaning they have not met the minimum competency level for qualification.

NOTE: Because most senior four candidates appear as Result 1, parents should look at the individual subject grades (A–E) to understand their child’s actual performance, since Result 1 only confirms certification, not overall strength or weakness.

A candidate does not qualify for a UCE certificate if they obtain grade E in all subjects, fail to sit the minimum required number of subjects, miss compulsory subjects, or lack valid Continuous Assessment or Project Work scores as required by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) is set to release the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results for Senior Four candidates on Friday, 13 February 2026, according to reports from reliable sources.

The official release will take place at State House, Nakasero, during a morning event led by the Minister of Education and Sports, alongside UNEB Executive Director Dan N. Odongo.

For the more than 432,000 candidates who registered for the 2025 UCE examinations, the results mark the end of lower secondary education and determine the next step. Performance in the UCE exams decides eligibility for Senior Five or alternative options such as technical and vocational training.

UNEB is expected to publish clear guidelines on how the 2025 senior four candidates can access their results on the same day.

The UCE 2025 results release date aligns with the Senior One placement exercise, ongoing from 12 to 13 February 2026, making the period a critical time for many learners, parents, and schools across the country.

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) released the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results on Friday, 30 January 2026, at State House, Nakasero. UNEB executive director Dan N. Odongo announced the results in the presence of the Minister of Education and Sports.

Cutting out the formalities, here’s a summary of the 2025 PLE Results.

A total of 817,883 Primary Seven (P7) candidates from 15,388 examination centres registered for the 2025 PLE, up from 797,444 candidates in 2024.

Of these, 522,036 candidates, representing 63.8%, were Universal Primary Education (UPE) beneficiaries from 11,525 centres, while 295,847 candidates, or 36.2%, were non-UPE candidates from 3,863 centres.

2025 PLE Registered Candidates by Gender
In 2025, 52.4% of P7 candidates were girls and 47.6% were boys, continuing the trend of more girls completing Primary Education. In 2024, girls made up 52.5% and boys 47.5%.

2025 UNEB Registered P7 Candidates with Special Needs
UNEB registered 3,636 learners with Special Needs in 2025, up from 3,328 in 2024, an increase of 308 candidates. Among these learners, 48.3% are female, and 51.7% are male.

UNEB PLE 2025 Overall Performance by Gender

By gender, the 2025 PLE results show males leading in the top divisions and posting a lower failure rate than females.

UNEB PLE 2025 Performance by Subject
Candidates performed best in English, followed by Integrated Science and Mathematics. Social Studies with Religious Education (SST) was the worst-performing subject. Compared with 2024, English improved, while SST saw a significant decline in performance.

How to Check the 2025 UNEB PLE Results
Candidates, parents/guardians, and schools can access results in three ways.
SMS: Send an SMS with the format PLE [space] full index number to 6600 on MTN or Airtel Uganda. Results are delivered instantly and cost UGX 500 of airtime per message.

Online: Results are available through the UNEB e-results portal for immediate download.

Physical Copies: Schools, district inspectors, and other authorised personnel can collect printed results from UNEB headquarters in Ntinda starting Monday, 2 February 2026.

28 January 2026 – Uganda’s national examinations body, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), has announced that the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results will be released this week, according to a poster shared on its official social media platforms.

The poster, published on Wednesday evening, carries the wording “XX January 2026” rather than a fixed date, a format UNEB regularly uses to indicate that preparations are complete while allowing for final logistical arrangements.

This is UNEB’s first official public notice on P7 results, following earlier updates, and signals that the 2025 UNEB PLE results are imminent, alerting schools, parents, and P7 candidates across Uganda to prepare for access once they are formally released.

Separate confirmation from UNEB spokesperson Nakalule Jennifer indicates that the 2025 PLE (P7) results will be released on Friday, 30 January 2026, at 11:00 a.m., from State House Nakasero, in the presence of the Minister of Education and Sports.

How to check PLE results in Uganda
After the release, UNEB will communicate the official access channels. In previous years, candidates checked PLE results in Uganda by sending an SMS with PLE[space]Full Index Number to 6600, through the UNEB e-results portal, or via printed copies delivered to schools and district inspectors shortly after release.

UNEB is yet to confirm the applicable methods for the 2025 PLE results at the time of release.

Update: 30 Jan, 2026 – 2025 UNEB PLE Results Summary – Best Performers & How to Check P7 Results

#PLE2025! pic.twitter.com/qKmblHZrTM

— Uganda National Examinations Board (@UNEB_UG) January 28, 2026