Rukungiri Records 1% Drop in UPE Candidates Despite National Increase in UNEB Registrations

Rukungiri: Rukungiri District has recorded a decline in the number of Universal Primary Education (UPE) pupils registered to sit for this year’s Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), despite a nationwide increase in examination candidates.

According to the District Principal Inspector of Schools, Peace Atamba, a total of 6,620 candidates were registered in Rukungiri for the 2025 PLE, reflecting a drop of 66 pupils (1%) compared to last year’s 6,686 candidates.

Statistics show that in 2023, Rukungiri registered 6,324 candidates, with 4,304 from government-aided schools and 2,019 from private schools. In 2024, the number rose to 6,686 candidates, comprising 4,563 from government schools and 2,123 from private schools an increase of 362 pupils from the previous year.

This year, however, 4,367 candidates were registered from government-aided schools, while 2,253 came from private schools, marking a slight decline in overall enrollment.

Atamba attributed the decline to school dropouts, urging parents and guardians to prioritize education and refrain from withdrawing children from school for casual labor, early marriages, or other practices that disrupt their studies.

CUE IN…..PEACE… RR 

Meanwhile, at the national level, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) reported a 6.8% increase in the number of candidates registered for the 2025 examination cycle. A total of 1,415,857 candidates were registered across the PLE, UCE, and UACE, up from 1,319,139 in 2024.

The registration exercise officially closed on July 31, 2025.