The suspects, with their relatives, leaving court after they met their bail terms. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

LIRA - Three educationists arrested earlier this week over allegedly attempting to bribe a Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) scout to compromise the integrity of the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) have been released on bail.

The suspects: Director of Atura Community Day Primary School in Oyam district, George Odongo, 43; businessman and former teacher at the same school, Simon Ekut, 33; and Lavoiser Awoko, 22, a teacher at St Gracious Primary School in Barapwo, Lira City, on November 6, 2025, appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lira, presided over by Chief Magistrate Joe Fay Adoko.

The trio is accused of offering shillings one million to UNEB scout Christine Ayoo in exchange for neglecting her duties and allowing candidates of Atura Community Day Primary School to engage in examination malpractice.

The alleged incident occurred on November 2, 2025, at the Garden Inn Hotel in Lira city.

They were charged under Sections 36 and 26(1)(g) of the Uganda National Examinations Board Act, 2021 (Cap 259), which prescribes a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of shillings 20 million, or both, for anyone found guilty of examination malpractice.

All three denied the charges and applied for bail, which was granted at shillings 500,000 cash each. Their sureties were bonded at shillings one million non-cash. The case was adjourned to December 4, 2025, for hearing.

This year, UNEB registered 817,885 candidates to sit the PLE, up from 797,444 last year.

However, the 2025 examinations have been marred by a series of challenges across the country, including bribery and attempted bribery of exam officials. Several incidents, such as the Oyam case, were reported.

Impersonation and unauthorised involvement: In Greater Masaka, arrests were made involving fake scouts and teachers aiding malpractice.

Smuggling and leaks: In Kisoro, a teacher was caught with a leaked Science paper shared via WhatsApp, and photocopied answer sheets were found in exam rooms.

Logistical delays: Heavy rains and floods in some districts caused late delivery of exam papers.

Persistent integrity threats: Despite UNEB’s heightened security, cases of malpractice continue to surface, raising concerns about examination credibility.