The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has warned school administrators against denying registered candidates access to examination papers or examination rooms over unpaid school fees, describing the practice as criminal and unacceptable.

The warning comes as more than 503,000 Senior Four candidates begin their written Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations today.

UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule Musamba said all registered candidates must be allowed to sit their examinations regardless of whether they have outstanding school fees.

She cautioned school administrators against withholding examination papers or barring candidates from entering examination rooms because of unpaid fees, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated.

Kalule urged schools to handle outstanding fees through direct engagement with parents and guardians rather than taking measures that could interfere with candidates’ examinations.

She explained that schools with candidates who have outstanding fees should allow them to complete their examinations and formally notify UNEB of the outstanding balances. In accordance with the applicable procedures, the Board may then withhold the affected candidates’ results or certificates until the fees are cleared.

The UNEB spokesperson added that the Board would work with schools to establish measures to support the recovery of outstanding fees when examination results are released.

The warning serves as a reminder to school administrators to prioritize candidates’ right to sit their examinations while pursuing legitimate fee recovery through the appropriate channels.