Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) is under intense scrutiny after a printing error on the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) Economics Paper 2 incorrectly displayed the year as “2024” instead of “2025.” The error, which appeared on November 11, 2025, prompted UNEB to issue a notice to all examination centres clarifying that the paper was still valid despite the misprint.
The incident quickly sparked public debate, with parents, students, and education stakeholders expressing concern over UNEB’s quality control measures. Many took to social media to question how a national examination board, responsible for handling high-stakes exams, could allow such a basic oversight. Some users criticized UNEB for failing to thoroughly review the final printed papers before distribution, describing the error as “avoidable” and “unprofessional.”
Education experts warned that while the typographical error may not directly affect students’ grades, it has the potential to create confusion and stress among candidates during the examination. Gozanga Kaswarra, a veteran educationist, noted that the mistake reflects a breakdown in multiple layers of quality assurance:
“Examination papers undergo rigorous review and approval. An error of this magnitude suggests that several verification steps failed, and this raises questions about UNEB’s internal processes.”
UNEB officials, however, emphasized that the exam itself was entirely new and that the year misprint did not compromise the content or validity of the paper. Spokesperson Jennifer Kalule reassured the public that no candidate would be disadvantaged, and the marking process would follow standard procedures. Schools across the country reported that the exam proceeded smoothly, though some candidates admitted the incorrect year caused momentary anxiety and distraction.
The episode has renewed calls for UNEB to strengthen its review and verification protocols, including introducing additional cross-checks in exam printing and distribution processes. Analysts argue that improving transparency, accountability, and oversight is critical to maintaining public trust in Uganda’s examination system.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of precision in educational administration, particularly for high-stakes examinations that determine academic futures and career paths. UNEB has committed to reviewing and tightening its processes to prevent similar errors in the future, signaling a broader effort to uphold credibility and efficiency in Uganda’s education sector.