Uganda drops PLE results as boys outperform girls

Uganda’s primary exam results dropped, numbers climbed, boys edged girls, English led, and results hit phones via SMS.

Exam rollout and theme

• Uganda National Examinations Board published Primary Leaving Examinations outcomes for 2025.
• Tests ran nationwide on 3 and 4 November 2025.
• Framed around learner security and whole-child assessment.
• Marked the final hurdle for primary pupils.

Ceremony and leadership presence

• The results launch happened at State House, Nakasero.
• Hosted with senior officials in attendance.
• Graced by Janet K Museveni.
• Positioned as a formal national moment.

Who sat the exams

• Dan Odongo shared registration figures.
• 817,883 candidates registered across 15,388 centers.
• Numbers rose compared with the prior year.
• Participation spread countrywide.

UPE versus non-UPE split

• UPE candidates totaled 522,036 across 11,525 centers.
• Non-UPE candidates reached 295,847 in 3,863 centers.
• The majority came through the UPE track.
• Distribution highlighted access differences.

Performance takeaways

• Males outperformed females overall.
• Failure rates favored boys.
• English topped subject performance.
• Trends sparked fresh debate.

How results reach families

• Access runs through SMS on telecom networks.
• Correct steps trigger instant delivery.
• Phones receive scores directly.
• Parents and pupils can check fast.