According to the Executive Director ofUganda National Examinations Board(UNEB),Dan Nokrach Odongo, 428,628 candidates — representing 99.69 per cent of those who sat — qualified for the UCE certificate. This reflects a sharp improvement from 2024, when 1.9 per cent of candidates did not qualify. In 2025, that figure dropped significantly to just 0.31 per cent.
A total of 432,163 candidates registered for the examination across 3,975 centres, compared to 359,417 in 2024 — an increase of 72,746 candidates (20.2 per cent). Of those registered, 429,949 candidates (99.5 per cent) were present, while 2,214 (0.5 per cent) were absent, continuing a downward trend in absenteeism and signalling better retention and participation.
Performance data shows that English Language, Geography and Christian Religious Education (CRE) were among the strongest subjects in the 10 compulsory areas assessed. More candidates achieved grades C and above in 2025 compared to the previous year, while science subjects recorded notable progress, with a significant reduction in the proportion of learners scoring below grade D.
Gender comparisons revealed closely matched outcomes overall. However, female candidates demonstrated stronger performance in English and CRE, while in several other subjects, males slightly edged females at the exceptional and outstanding levels. UNEB reported a generally normal distribution of results across subjects, with the majority of candidates attaining Grade C.
Under the competence-based framework, achievement is graded from A to E. Final results are derived from a composite score comprising 20 per cent Continuous Assessment (CA) conducted at school level and 80 per cent end-of-cycle examination. UNEB explained that grades are determined through rigorous statistical and psychometric processes to ensure fairness and reliability.
Candidates who met all award requirements will have their transcripts marked as Result 1. Result 2 indicates failure to meet specific conditions, such as missing Continuous Assessment scores, incomplete subject entries, or missing project components. Result 3 applies to candidates who scored below the basic Grade E level in all subjects.
Officials described the 2025 outcomes as evidence that the revised curriculum is yielding measurable gains, reflected in higher qualification rates, improved science performance, and narrowing gender disparities.
