The 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) faced major delays in parts of Eastern Uganda as heavy floods and poor road conditions crippled access to several examination centers in Katakwi and Bukedea districts.
Education officials and local authorities worked tirelessly to ensure that all candidates could sit for their exams despite the weather-induced challenges.
In Katakwi District, several schools were cut off after days of torrential rainfall flooded roads and submerged bridges, making it nearly impossible for education officials to distribute examination materials on time.
Daniel Alileng, the Senior District Inspector of Schools in Katakwi, described the situation as “extremely challenging,” citing Magoro Sub-County as one of the worst affected areas.
Examination materials destined for Magoro had been stored in Toroma County, but floodwaters made it difficult to reach schools in time for the scheduled start of exams.
“Some of our schools, including Okwamemor Primary School and Alengot St. Paul in Ngariam Sub-County, as well as Palam and Nathereth Primary Schools in Usuk Sub-County, were completely inaccessible,” Alileng said. “Floodwaters had isolated these institutions, prompting the district to consider using boats to deliver examination materials.”
He added that the examinations were delayed due to the poor condition of roads and washed-out bridges, but assured that the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) had been notified of the situation.
“UNEB is aware of our challenges and has allowed the exams to begin later than scheduled. Efforts are being made to ensure the exams proceed smoothly despite these obstacles,” he said.
Local authorities and security personnel were deployed to assist in transporting materials and ensuring the safety of examination supervisors and candidates in the affected areas.
Community members also volunteered to help ferry teachers and exam materials across flooded sections using canoes and improvised rafts.
In neighboring Bukedea District, similar disruptions were reported as floodwaters rendered key roads impassable.
District Education Officer Stephen Okurut confirmed that heavy rains had displaced several examination centers, forcing emergency relocations to ensure the continuity of the exams.
“Candidates from Akaakat Primary School were relocated to Kamutur Primary School after the road to their original center became impassable,” Okurut said. “The examinations coincided with a period of intense rainfall, and this has severely affected accessibility in several sub-counties.”
Okurut pointed out that flooded routes blocked access to Kamutur Primary, Kangole Primary, and the junction leading to Kotia Primary School, leaving education officials with no choice but to use boda bodas to transport examination materials.
“Head teachers were advised to improvise and use motorcycles to move the papers safely to their respective centers. Despite the difficulties, we are proud that all candidates eventually managed to sit their exams,” he said.
About Author
