UNEB Releases 2026 National Examination Timetable for PLE, UCE and UACE
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the official timetable for the 2026 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
The timetable was released on 23 September 2026, setting the schedule for more than 1.6 million candidates across the country. UNEB reported a total of 1,627,885 candidates, an increase of 211,437 compared with 2025.
UCE examinations to begin first
The 2026 UCE examination period will begin with the candidate briefing on Thursday, 8 October 2026.
Written examinations will follow, with the UCE examination period running through 3 November 2026. UNEB says this will be the third cohort of UCE candidates assessed under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
PLE examinations
For PLE candidates, briefing is scheduled for Friday, 30 October 2026, followed by the written examinations, which will run into early November and conclude on 4 November 2026.
UACE examinations
UACE candidates will be briefed in early November, with the examinations running from 7 November to 5 December 2026. The 2026 UACE cohort is also part of the transition to assessment aligned with the new curriculum.
Over 1.6 million candidates registered
UNEB has registered:
| Examination | 2026 Candidates |
|---|---|
| PLE | 920,796 |
| UCE | 503,214 |
| UACE | 203,875 |
| Total | 1,627,885 |
The total represents a 14.9% increase from the 1,416,448 candidates registered in 2025. Female candidates account for 52% of the total, while male candidates account for 48%. UNEB also registered 6,090 learners with special educational needs.
Schools urged to prepare candidates
UNEB has directed heads of examination centres to ensure that candidates receive copies of the timetable and that examination information is properly displayed at schools.
Schools can access the timetable through their institutional portals, while printed copies are also being provided with examination stationery.
UNEB has also warned candidates, parents and schools to be cautious about people claiming to have access to leaked examination papers. The Board has reiterated that examination malpractice is prohibited.
What parents and candidates should do
With the examinations approaching, candidates and their families can use the timetable to:
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Plan revision schedules around examination dates.
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Confirm examination requirements with their schools.
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Keep track of briefing and examination dates.
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Prepare required materials in advance.
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Follow instructions issued by schools and UNEB.
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Avoid unofficial examination information circulating online.
SchoolNest Education Update
SchoolNest will continue to bring parents, students and schools verified education news, examination updates, school information and practical education resources from across Uganda.
Parents and candidates should always confirm examination information against official UNEB communication and the timetable provided by their school.
Source: Uganda National Examinations Board / Uganda Media Centre.