KAMPALA — The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) Secretary Dan Odongo has revealed that pregnant girls will be allowed to sit for their final examinations.
Odongo who was addressing the press at the Uganda Media Center said the decision was made by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
“UNEB recognizes that the lockdown due to COVID-19 has been a very tough period especially for the girl child. We have received reports that a number of them became pregnant during this season. While we do not condone teenage pregnancy, we recognize that most of these girls are victims of circumstances, holding unintended pregnancies,” he said.
He added that the move will derail the gains of gender inclusiveness attained so far in reducing the disparity between girls and boys registering for their final examinations, and finishing a given academic cycle.
Odongo has also revealed that the registration process starts today October 22,2020.
“The process is expected to run for five weeks. We would like to emphasize that there will be no room for late registration, and therefore urge schools to ensure that all the candidates register within the given period,” he said.
He noted that the registration fees have not been increased.
According to the UNEB registration structure, primary seven candidates will pay UGX 34,000, ordinary level candidates will pay UGX 164,000 and Advanced level candidates will pay UGX 186,000.
“Any additional charges that the school would like to make for administrative purposes should clearly be explained to the parents, and MUST NOT, in any way, be referred to as ‘UNEB fees/ Registration fees’,” said Odongo.
He called upon parents to be vigilant and not allow to be exploited under the guise of ‘UNEB fees’ .
For candidates under the government programs of Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), and Universal Post ‘O’ Level Education and Training (UPOLET), Odongo revealed that the government will pay the fees.
“We therefore expect the head teachers in these schools to submit the registration details immediately.”
