By Spy Uganda
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the results of the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), revealing an overall improvement in performance and an increase in the number of candidates attaining Division One compared to the previous year.
According to UNEB Executive Director Dan N. Odongo, a total of 817,883 candidates registered for the 2025 PLE from 15,388 examination centres, representing a 2.6 percent increase from the 797,444 candidates registered in 2024. Of these, 807,313 candidates sat the examination, with the absentee rate remaining low at 1.3 percent, similar to last year.
UNEB reported that 91,990 candidates passed in Division One, marking an increase of 7,689 candidates compared to 2024. Overall, 7,503 more candidates passed the examination in 2025, indicating steady progress in learning outcomes across the country.
Analysis by gender shows that girls continued to dominate registration, accounting for 52.4 percent of candidates, a trend that has persisted in recent years and reflects improved retention of girls in primary education. However, in terms of performance, boys slightly outperformed girls overall, recording higher proportions in Division One and Division Two and a lower failure rate.
Subject performance showed encouraging trends, particularly in English, which registered an improvement compared to 2024 and emerged as the best-performed subject at Grade 8 and above. Integrated Science and Mathematics followed closely, while Social Studies and Religious Education recorded a decline, which UNEB attributed to challenges in applying competency-based teaching methods.
UNEB also highlighted progress in inclusivity, noting an increase in the number of special needs candidates, which rose to 3,636 from 3,328 in 2024. The Board further registered candidates from Luzira Upper Prison and Mbarara Main Prison, many of whom performed commendably, with several attaining Division One and Division Two.
Despite challenges such as heavy rains, damaged infrastructure, and isolated cases of examination malpractice, UNEB credited strong collaboration with local governments, security agencies, and education officials for the successful administration of the examinations nationwide.
Mr. Odongo praised teachers, parents, examiners, and security personnel for their dedication and resilience, emphasizing that the 2025 PLE reflected growing stability in Uganda’s assessment system and the gradual adoption of competency-based learning.
UNEB announced that results would be accessible through school portals, district education offices, and via SMS on MTN and Airtel networks, urging schools to promptly submit any necessary corrections.
The Board congratulated all successful candidates and encouraged those who did not attain their desired results to remain hopeful, reaffirming its commitment to fair assessment and continuous improvement in Uganda’s education sector.
