More than 920,000 Primary Seven candidates across Uganda began the 2026 Primary Leaving Examinations on Tuesday, 3 November. According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), a total of 920,833 candidates registered for this year’s PLE — a 12.5 per cent increase from the 817,885 candidates who sat in 2025. The examinations are being conducted at 16,478 centres nationwide. Female candidates account for 484,620 (52.7 per cent), while males number 436,213 (47.3 per cent). Of the total, 576,342 candidates (62.5 per cent) are sponsored under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme, while 344,491 are privately sponsored. Candidates sat Mathematics in the morning and Social Studies and Religious Education in the afternoon on the first day. The examinations conclude on Wednesday, 4 November, with Integrated Science and English Language. UNEB has made special arrangements for 4,655 candidates with special educational needs. Support includes Braille materials, large-print papers, sign language interpreters and extra time. Fifty-three inmates from Luzira Prison are also sitting the exams. UNEB has deployed district monitors, scouts and security personnel to ensure a smooth and secure exercise, while warning against examination malpractice.