BY ENOCK MUSIKA
Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has set 16th March as the date for a hearing regarding the withheld Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results of candidates from St. Joseph Musoto Primary School, according to the school director.
The Catholic-founded school, with a population of 3,225 pupils, is currently facing uncertainty after UNEB released results for only seven candidates, while results for 178 others were withheld. During a visit to the school on Monday, 23rd February, the headteacher, Mr. Washaki Stephen expressed concern over the situation. He noted that although the school is located in a village setting within Mbale City, it serves learners from diverse backgrounds.“The release of only a few results has left parents anxious and uncertain about what comes next,” he said.
Mr. Washaki confirmed that the school received official communication from UNEB summoning its administration for a hearing on 16th March. He expressed hope that the matter would be resolved and the withheld results released.
“We have done everything possible to prepare our candidates, including maintaining a full teaching schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, even during challenging times such as industrial action,” he explained.
The Mbale City Coordinator in the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) and Bumutoto Ward Councilor, Hon. Wandulu Zaidi also commented on the issue. He noted that over the past three years, since the appointment of the current headteacher, the school has recorded significant academic improvement and strengthened co-curricular activities such as music, dance and drama, as well as sports.
Hon. Wandulu emphasized that under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) structure, Section 14 Clause (H) mandates the implementation of presidential directives and monitoring of government programs.
He added that the government invests heavily in the education sector — reportedly up to one billion dollars — and urged UNEB to expedite the process and release the results before the scheduled hearing date if possible.
“These learners have limited time to prepare for secondary school. It is important that this matter is handled quickly to avoid disrupting their academic journey,” he said.
For the past four years, St. Joseph Musoto Primary School has maintained a strong performance record, with many pupils passing in good divisions — a trend that has inspired confidence within the community and strengthened hopes of nurturing responsible future citizens.
Parents and school authorities now await the outcome of the March 16 hearing with optimism that the withheld results will finally be released.