Five Teachers, Student Remanded Over Alleged Possession of PLE Papers
Six people have been charged in Kampala over allegations that they possessed examination materials purporting to contain questions for Uganda’s upcoming Primary Leaving Examinations. Five of the accused are teachers, while the sixth is an 18-year-old student.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Five teachers and a student have been charged and remanded to Luzira Prison over the alleged unauthorised possession of Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) papers and related examination materials.
The six appeared before City Hall Magistrates Court in Kampala on Thursday, where Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Nicholas Aisu charged them under the Uganda National Examinations Board Act, 2021.
The accused are teachers Dickson Tugeineyo, 35; Deogracious Opio, 36; William George Olwa, 31; Bruno Lyazi, 34; and Nathan Ssebulonde, 28, together with Ismail Madete, 18, a student.
Prosecution alleges that between September and October 2026, the accused, together with other people who are still at large, possessed or controlled examination papers, materials or information purporting to relate to the contents of PLE papers in Mathematics, Social Studies, Integrated Science and English.
The prosecution further alleges that the examination materials belonged exclusively to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
Two of the accused, Tugeineyo and Ssebulonde, pleaded guilty to the charge, while Opio, Madete, Olwa and Lyazi denied the allegations.
Their lawyer, Amos Kuuku, asked court to direct the prosecution to disclose the evidence against his clients and said the defence intended to apply for bail.
State Attorney Mercy Yamangusho told court that investigations were still ongoing and asked for additional time to allow the State to complete its inquiries.
Magistrate Aisu subsequently remanded all six accused to Luzira Prison until October 19, 2026, when they are expected to return to court for mention, presentation of brief facts and consideration of the bail application.
The offence carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Shs20 million, or both upon conviction.
The case comes as Uganda prepares for the 2026 PLE examinations. Primary Seven candidates are scheduled to receive their examination briefing on October 30, before sitting the papers.
The allegations have renewed attention on the security of national examination materials as UNEB prepares to administer the examinations.
The accused remain innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.
Source DAILY MONITOR
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