Kampala, Uganda — Uganda’s Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams will begin on Monday, despite the ongoing Art teachers’ strike. These exams mark the culmination of four years of secondary education and determine students’ eligibility for Advanced Level (A-Level) studies, technical institutions, and tertiary education. With Art teachers still on strike, the Ministry of Education faces heightened pressure to ensure fairness, exam coverage, and student preparedness.
Overview of the UCE Exams
The UCE exams, managed annually by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), cover core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Sciences, and Humanities. Around 250,000 candidates are expected to sit for the exams nationwide.
UNEB officials confirmed that exams in subjects unaffected by the strike will proceed as scheduled. Over 1,500 examination centers will host students, and staff have put logistical measures in place to ensure smooth operations. Security has been intensified to prevent cheating, and supervisors will monitor the exams closely.
Art Teachers’ Strike and Its Consequences
The strike, led by the Uganda Secondary Schools Art Teachers Association, began three weeks ago. Teachers cite delayed salaries, insufficient teaching resources, and alleged neglect of the Arts curriculum as their main grievances. They demand immediate government action before returning to classrooms.
Thousands of students have missed formal instruction in Fine Art, Music, and Technical Drawing, raising concerns about exam readiness. Parents and guardians worry that students may struggle with practical and theoretical questions without adequate guidance. Many fear that performance in Art subjects could drop significantly, potentially affecting overall grades.
Government Response and Actions
The Ministry of Education has urged Art teachers to resume work, assuring them that discussions are ongoing to resolve their concerns. “We recognize the legitimate grievances of Art teachers, but we urge them to consider the impact on students preparing for national exams,” said a Ministry spokesperson.
The government stresses the importance of maintaining the academic calendar. Officials are exploring alternative measures, including appointing substitute teachers and providing supervised revision sessions to support affected students.
UNEB Preparations
UNEB has confirmed that exam preparations are complete. Staff have printed, distributed, and securely stored examination papers. Examiners and invigilators have received clear instructions to monitor students and report irregularities immediately.
In schools heavily affected by the strike, UNEB is coordinating with administrations to provide last-minute guidance. Peer-led revision sessions have emerged in several schools, allowing students with prior knowledge of Art subjects to assist their classmates in understanding key concepts.
Students’ Concerns and Coping Strategies
Students have expressed mixed feelings ahead of the exams. While many are eager to start, the absence of Art teachers has caused anxiety. Brenda Nakato, a candidate from Kampala, said, “I have tried to revise on my own, but some concepts in Technical Drawing are difficult without a teacher.”
Other students are focusing on core subjects where teacher support remained available. Guidance counselors encourage students to manage time wisely, stay calm, and concentrate on subjects where they have adequate preparation.
Parental Support
Parents have taken an active role in helping candidates prepare. Many have formed study groups, hired private tutors, or directed students to online resources to cover missed lessons. Local communities, including retired teachers and volunteers, have also offered revision sessions to ensure students receive some level of instruction.
Parents are concerned about fairness. Students in schools where Art teachers are present may gain an advantage over peers in affected schools. Parent associations are urging the government to provide remedial measures after the exams to address potential disparities.
Ensuring Exam Integrity
Maintaining exam integrity remains a top priority for UNEB. Supervisors and invigilators will monitor all centers closely. UNEB has deployed extra staff to manage logistical challenges, including paper distribution and secure storage.
Technology is also helping. Some exam halls will use CCTV cameras, tracking systems for exam materials, and rapid communication networks among supervisors to minimize cheating and ensure fair competition.
Potential Consequences of the Strike
Education experts warn that prolonged disruption could hurt student performance, especially in Art subjects requiring both theory and practical skills. “Art develops creativity and critical thinking. Without proper instruction, students may miss essential skills, affecting grades and future opportunities,” said Dr. Sarah Kiyingi, an education consultant.
The strike could also affect teacher recruitment and retention, impacting secondary education quality nationwide. Experts call for sustainable solutions that balance teacher welfare with student success.
Mitigation Measures
The Ministry of Education has pledged to explore remedial programs for students affected by the strike. Proposed measures include:
- Supplementary classes for Art subjects after the exams.
- Adjusted grading considerations to reflect limited teacher support.
- Professional development initiatives for Art teachers to improve teaching resources and conditions.
These initiatives aim to reduce negative consequences for students while encouraging teachers to return to classrooms promptly.
Looking Ahead
Despite the strike, UCE exams will proceed as scheduled on Monday. Government officials, UNEB, school administrations, and parents are working together to support students as much as possible. The coming weeks will test the resilience of the education system, students, and communities.
Officials emphasize that national exams are critical for student progression and maintaining Uganda’s academic calendar. Delays could disrupt transitions to A-Level studies and affect preparation for tertiary institutions.
Conclusion
The 2026 UCE exams mark a crucial stage in the academic journey of thousands of students. While the Art teachers’ strike presents challenges, the Ministry of Education and UNEB remain committed to conducting exams fairly and securely. Students, teachers, and parents must cooperate and focus on the candidates’ educational needs.
The resolution of the strike and the successful completion of exams will reflect the collaboration between teachers, government officials, and the broader education community. The coming weeks will show how Uganda balances teacher welfare with student success, shaping the future of secondary education across the nation.
