Police have issued a stern warning to school heads across the country over the alleged misappropriation of UNEB candidates’ registration fees, cautioning that those involved will face arrest and prosecution.
Speaking firmly, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke urged headteachers and school administrators to ensure that all money collected from candidates is remitted to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) without diversion.
“Please, if you receive money of a candidate or potential candidate for registration, remit it to where it is supposed to go, that is UNEB,” he said.
He expressed concern over repeated cases where schools allegedly collect registration fees from students but fail to submit them as required.
“We are tired of incidents where students give you money and you misappropriate it. Don’t eat the money. Don’t misappropriate it,” Rusoke warned.
He cautioned that security agencies would take firm action against offenders.
“We shall arrest you and disorganise you. We are coming for you. We shall not entertain excuses. We shall throw you behind bars,” he said.
Rusoke stressed that such actions harm vulnerable learners and jeopardize their academic future.
“It is not okay to get these young souls wanting to have their future and then destroy their entire year,” he said.
He noted that the average Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidate is only 12 or 13 years old, emphasizing the need for protection and accountability.
“An average PLE candidate is 12 or 13 years,” he said.
The police spokesperson also warned against schools unilaterally setting additional or illegal registration fees outside the approved UNEB guidelines.
“Schools setting their own fees in registration is illegal, and in any case, report the matter to police,” Rusoke said.
He urged school heads to act responsibly and ensure compliance with examination registration procedures, warning that failure to do so would attract criminal consequences.
