Police Caution Politicians Against Campaigns Near Schools During PLE

By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,

NATIONAL

As Primary Seven candidates begin their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) today, the Uganda Police Force has urged political candidates to avoid disrupting the examination process during this election period.

PLE exams begun today Monday 3rd November and will close tomorrow Tuesday 4th November, 2025.

Speaking at a joint security press conference at police headquarters in Naguru, ACP Micheal Kituuma Rusoke, the spokesperson of Uganda Police Force (UPC) said campaigning near schools creates noise which disrupts the attention of learners.

“As we are currently in an election period, with presidential campaigns attracting large crowds and loud music, candidates are advised to avoid holding campaign events near primary schools to prevent disturbances,” Kituuma said.

He appealed to members of the public and politicians to maintain peace and avoid holding campaign rallies near schools.

“We urge everyone to ensure that the PLE candidates complete their two-day exam schedule without disruptions,” Kituuma said.

He added that the Force has deployed personnel to secure all examination centres one way of ensuring smooth administration and integrity of the examination process.

Meanwhile, police have said that they will not tolerate any forms of malpractice, warning the public to report any suspicious activities to authorities. The warnings follow the arrest of three suspects in Lira City for allegedly attempting to bribe a Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) scout to influence the upcoming examinations.

The suspects, identified as Odongo George, Ekut Simon (32), and Awoko Lavoiser (26), reportedly offered a bribe of UGX 1 million to Ayoo Christine, a UNEB scout based in Oyam District.

According to police, the suspects were intercepted at Garden Hotel in Lira City following a tip-off. Relevant evidence was recovered, and investigations are ongoing. They were arrested and are currently in police custody pending court.

In related news, the UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule Musamba confirmed that the examinations are proceeding smoothly.

“As I speak, we have two sets of examinations taking place; the UCE for Senior Four candidates, which will end this Friday, and the PLE, which began on Friday with the candidates’ briefing,” Kalule said.

“This morning, the pupils are taking their Mathematics exam, and it is proceeding well.”

She retaliated the board’s repetitive  warnings against malpractice and bribery, emphasizing that any attempt to compromise the integrity of the examinations will be met with strict legal action.