The annual examination season for the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) has commenced, with a staggering number of 32,727 candidates registered to write their final exams across the country. The exams, which began on May 13, 2024, will take place in 294 examination centers nationwide.
In a press briefing held on the first day of the exams, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Examination Board, Dr. Wilfred Karukuza Nahamya, provided some key statistics regarding the candidates. Out of the total registered candidates, 17,357 are females, while 15,369 are males. This shows that more females are attracted to business and cosmetology-related programs, outpacing their male counterparts in enrollment.
Dr. Nahamya highlighted that the increase in the number of female candidates in business and cosmetology programs can be attributed to the accessibility of these services.
“The services are being brought nearer to the people, but also there are certain programs that attract more females than males,” he stated.
According to Nahamya, there has been a general rise in the participation of students in technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This increase is a result of UBTEB’s intensified sensitization efforts, as well as the Ministry of Education’s policy change regarding the admission of TVET students.
Dr. Nahamya pointed out that decentralization in the admission process has made TVET more accessible to a broader range of students, thus contributing to the surge in candidates.
While speaking about the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examinations, UBTEB Executive Secretary, Onesmus Oyesigye, warned against any form of examination malpractice. Mr. Oyesigye stressed the board’s dedication to quality examinations, stating, “We remain committed to conducting credible exams that reflect the skills and knowledge of the candidates.”
To combat examination malpractice, the board has implemented several measures. They have urged all heads of examination centers to ensure that examination task forces at the institutional level are well-informed and briefed on the proper conduct of examinations. By emphasizing the importance of adherence to examination guidelines, the board aims to minimize malpractice and ensure a fair and transparent examination process.
With a total of 32,726 candidates sitting for the UBTEB exams, spanning from May to June, there is a sense of anticipation and determination among the aspiring professionals. These exams serve as a crucial step for these students as they strive to pursue their chosen careers in the business and technical fields. The UBTEB board remains dedicated to guiding and assessing these candidates, ensuring a brighter future for the country’s workforce.
