Kampala,Uganda – The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has registered 1,627,885 candidates for the 2026 national examinations, representing a 14.9% increase from the 1,416,448 candidates registered in 2025.
According to UNEB, Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidature has risen by 12.4% to 920,796, Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) by 16.4% to 503,214, while Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) has recorded the biggest increase, rising by 22.5% to 203,875 candidates.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo has attributed the increase to improved learner retention and completion, with more learners staying in school and progressing through the education system.
There has also been a significant rise in entries for traditional science subjects at UACE, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
UNEB has confirmed exam dates. UCE candidates will write exams beginning October 12. The PLE briefing is scheduled for October 30, with examinations running through November 4. UACE candidates will be briefed in early November, with the examination period ending 5th December 2026.
