The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) is currently awaiting a response from the judiciary regarding its request for a special court to expedite cases of examination malpractice and related issues.
Jennifer Kalule, UNEB spokesperson, said that the board’s legal department formally submitted their application for the establishment of a specialized court, similar to the utilities court.
Kalule, however, noted that UNEB has yet to receive feedback on the proposal.
Over the years, the board has expressed frustration over the delays in hearing and resolving various cases related to examination malpractice, emphasizing the need for a more efficient judicial process.
The push for a special court has gained traction following the recent enactment of a new UNEB Act that establishes stricter penalties for offenders.
Despite this progress, numerous individuals have been charged under the new law, but many cases continue to linger in courts nationwide.
This situation has sparked discussions between UNEB and the judiciary to explore how to effectively address these issues. In previous discussions, UNEB officials highlighted that in some jurisdictions, their cases are not prioritized.
They believe that a dedicated court could not only speed up the judicial process but also include judicial officers familiar with the serious nature of examination-related offenses, thereby deterring potential offenders.
However, our reporters have learned that the judiciary has not fully embraced the idea of establishing a specialized court, citing concerns over potential costs associated with transporting suspects from various locations.
A source familiar with the discussions indicated that during a meeting involving UNEB, the principal judge, and the Law Reform Commission, UNEB was advised to explore several available options, including the possibility of holding court sessions.
“They haven’t provided a definitive answer on the matter. While it was mentioned that a specialized court could be costly, they acknowledged that, depending on the number of suspects, it might still be a feasible option,” the source noted.
On the enforcement side, the police have assigned special UNEB liaison officers to every station, tasked with prioritizing cases of examination malpractice.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusoke Kituuma, the police spokesperson, told Uganda Radio Network that these officers coordinate promptly with investigators to ensure that such cases are handled efficiently within the normal police framework.
At Luwero Central Police Station, the CID office has designated a detective as a liaison officer for examinations, specifically tasked with investigating and ensuring the prosecution of all cases related to malpractice. This officer’s role includes facilitating speedy trials for all such cases.
“We have been instructed to investigate all related cases and ensure that files are sent to the State Attorney for approval within two days. The liaison officer will oversee the implementation of directives from UNEB and the Police headquarters,” a police officer, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking for the force, informed a reporter.
The desk in Luwero comprises five policemen who are supposed to ensure storage and investigate any cases related to exam malpractices.
Paul Mukungu, the Director of New Life Secondary School, expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing that it aligns with the mandates of UNEB and the police in the fight against malpractice.
He urged schools to adhere to the UNEB Act and avoid practices that could lead to legal repercussions.
As national examinations kick off this year, UNEB, in collaboration with the police, has already apprehended two suspects for examination malpractice.
The suspects were arrested in Moroto while allegedly trying to sell what they claimed were PLE leaked papers.
The duo, from St. Mary’s Junior School in Namirembe, Kapeka, Nakaseke District, has since been remanded to Morikatipe Prison in Tororo.
According to available information, UNEB currently has over 30 cases pending in various courts.
The delays in handling these matters not only hinder the fight against examination malpractice but also incur significant costs for the board, as funds are spent each time a hearing takes place in different courts across the country.
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