As schools across the country prepare their candidates of Senior Four to face the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) UCE examinations, Halcyon High School Soroti Campus has concluded a peaceful and colourful briefing ceremony as part of the final preparation for the candidates.
Speaking at the school premises today, 10th October 2025, the Headteacher Mr. Onyait Paul Mark expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for enabling such a successful and memorable event in the history of Halcyon Schools turning UNEB anxiety in to celebrations of readiness.
“Today, we are meant to brief candidates and we have done it. But in Halcyon Schools, it’s a norm once a student crosses to a candidate class, we begin briefing them right from there. Today, we are simply fulfilling the UNEB requirements,” the headteacher stated.
The briefing function, which started at 9:00 a.m. and ended at 12:00 p.m., was conducted in a peaceful and well-organized manner.
Students were kept in a two hour session as they received guidance and direction from UNEB representatives on how to conduct themselves during the examination period.
Mr. Onyait further revealed that Halcyon High School Soroti Campus is unique this year, as it operates two examination centers.
The main center will host 480 candidates, while the annex center will accommodate 178 candidates, all of whom attended the briefing.
He added that the ceremony was attended by teachers, UNEB appointed invigilators and chief invigilators, and as a school, Halcyon has done its part in ensuring the candidates are fully prepared.
“Our candidates are now ready to write the papers since the school, teachers, and parents have done their part,” he assured.
The headteacher confidently stated that Halcyon students are not shaken or scared of the forthcoming UNEB exams because they have undergone intensive preparation.
“We have been giving our students tests and mock exams, both internal and external. We facilitate them with both internal and external facilitators. The syllabus is up-to-date and fully covered, and our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure the students are given correct content. So, this UNEB isn’t a threat to Halcyon High School. The children are ready to write kilometers of correct answers, and we are assured of that,” he emphasized.
According to the UNEB timetable, the candidates will start on Monday 13th October with Geography Theory in the morning and Biology Theory in the afternoon, followed by other subjects as scheduled by UNEB.
Mr. Onyait disclosed that the school has registered a total of 658 Senior Four candidates, with females making up the majority.
He thanked parents for entrusting Halcyon High School with their daughters’ education and assured them of excellent performance.
“We shall not let you down because we have done our best,” he said, adding that he was impressed by the students’ confidence in declaring that they are ready to “write kilometers of correct answers.”
He further noted that the school’s population continues to grow each year due to the students’ discipline and prayerful character, which have helped Halcyon remain among the top 50 schools in the country.
The headteacher extended heartfelt appreciation to the teachers for their tireless efforts in preparing the students, and to the school management led by the Executive Director and Proprietor Hon. Hellen Adoa, the State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and Woman MP for Serere District.
He applauded her for running the school not for profit-making, but to benefit the community through job creation and providing quality education for children.
He also thanked the Chairman Board of Governors, Rt. Rev. Bishop Charles Obaikol, for his continuous guidance and commitment to directing the school towards excellence.
Parents were equally appreciated for their responsibility in paying school fees on time and ensuring their children remain in school.
“Halcyon High School provides the best environment for your children’s education,” he assured them.
Mr. Onyait concluded by declaring that “Excellence is the DNA of Halcyon High School”, and emphasized the school’s philosophy: “Let all schools pass, but for us, we excel.”
During the event, several students expressed their excitement and readiness for the upcoming examinations.
Akello Veronica, an S4 candidate, expressed her joy and confidence, saying that they are ready to take another major step toward their future.
“We are prepared and ready to write correct kilometers of answers and marking guides for UNEB, while making Halcyon High School the giant of the East and keeping the Halcyon flag flying high,” she said enthusiastically.
Alaso Elizabeth, another S4 candidate, shared similar excitement, expressing gratitude to the teachers and school management for imparting valuable knowledge.
She also appreciated the parents for their unwavering support in paying school fees.
“If it were not for them, we would not be here. We ask for more prayers to help us achieve our goals,” she said.
Eletu Micheal Deogratious, another S4 candidate, echoed the headteacher’s sentiments, affirming that their extensive preparation has left them fully confident.
“We have been preparing since the beginning, doing tests, mocks, seminars, revisions, and group discussions. We are confident of achieving good grades because our teachers have given us assurance and courage to look at these UNEB exams as just another normal examination. We are out of pressure,” he said confidently.
About Author
