Published on 07/02/2025
Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) is revising working conditions for Examination Markers and Checkers after protests in December 2024 over low pay.
The proposed changes aim to improve pay and mandate markers to remain within designated premises during the marking process. James Kubeketerya, Chairperson of Parliament’s Education Committee, disclosed the plan during a Budget Committee session. He presented the Committee’s report on the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper, which includes reforms for the Education and Sports sectors.
“The Committee was informed that about 100 examiners walked out during the marking of O-Level exams, particularly science subjects, causing significant disruption. UNEB now proposes revising conditions to address this,” said Kubeketerya.
To address these issues, the Committee recommended an additional UGX 6.57 billion to accommodate markers and checkers, covering five meals a day, utilities, health services, and accommodation. It also proposed increasing the per-unit marking fee from UGX 28,000 to UGX 35,000.
December 2024 Walkout
In December, examiners marking Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams protested the low pay of UGX 950 per script, demanding at least UGX 1,500 to reflect the increased workload under the new lower secondary curriculum. While UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo confirmed the walkout, he maintained that marking continued as planned, noting that over 400 examiners remained at their posts despite the departures.
About 100 physics examiners and 50 agriculture examiners abandoned their duties, but Odongo said their absence did not significantly affect the marking process.
Enhancing Marking Fees
The Education Committee also urged the Ministry of Finance to allocate an additional UGX 4.85 billion to enhance examiner fees, aiming to attract and retain qualified markers. Currently, UGX 10.15 billion has been allocated against the requested UGX 15 billion.
“The Ministry should provide UGX 4.85 billion to enhance marking fees and attract the right number of examiners,” said Kubeketerya.
Funding for Examinations
UNEB also requested UGX 8.45 billion for inland travel expenses and UGX 2.66 billion for additional security. The travel budget would cover transporting examiners, invigilators, and supervisors, while security funding would support operations during the exams.
New Curriculum Assessment
Kubeketerya highlighted the need for UGX 6.5 billion to support the assessment of the new lower secondary curriculum, which requires continuous evaluation from Senior One to Senior Six.
“Competence-based assessment is costly due to continuous evaluation and field visits during marking. UNEB currently lacks a stable source of funding for this,” explained Kubeketerya.
The Committee also proposed an additional UGX 5.86 billion to assess the abridged UACE curriculum and ensure the successful implementation of the competence-based approach.
