Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), through its Islamic Primary Leaving Examination (IPLE) Board, has officially released the 2025 IPLE results for candidates who sat the examinations in early December last year.
The results were announced during a ceremony held at the UMSC headquarters courtyard, attended by school directors, head teachers, parents, and education stakeholders from across the country.
Presenting the examination report, IPLE Board Chairperson Sheikh Ali Lukyamuzi said the examinations were conducted in 450 centres across 68 districts, with only minor incidents recorded.
“Overall, the exercise was conducted smoothly and peacefully, reflecting the commitment of all stakeholders despite a few challenges,” Sheikh Lukyamuzi said.
He revealed that 7,759 candidates were registered and sat for examinations in Qur’an, Fiqh, Lugha, and Tarbia under Islamic Studies. However, 19 pupils from Sumayya Junior School in Masaka failed to sit the examinations, a matter the Board said was officially documented.
While noting improvements such as increased school registration, Sheikh Lukyamuzi raised concerns over persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, examination malpractice, impersonation, and negligence by some schools.
“We continue to observe malpractice, including attempts by some teachers to bribe invigilators and cases of impersonation,” he said.
“Late submission of forms and missing vital information often delays the processing of identification cards and certificates. Head teachers must ensure the accuracy of learners’ names, dates, and places of birth.”
The IPLE Board Secretary, Sheikh Ismail Kazibwe, later presented a detailed performance breakdown, outlining the best-performing subjects, top ten male and female candidates, best-performing schools by percentage, and district-by-district performance.
He also announced that the results of four candidates were withheld pending further investigations.
The results were formally handed over to Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the Second Deputy Mufti, who represented the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje.
“I commend the IPLE Board and all stakeholders for the dedication and care demonstrated in administering these examinations,” he said.
“We appreciate the continued trust parents, school directors, and learners place in this system.”
However, he expressed concern over weak performance in the Holy Qur’an, urging schools to strengthen teaching methods in the subject.
“The results indicate that greater emphasis is needed in Qur’an instruction to ensure learners acquire a strong foundation in the Holy Book,” he said.
Sheikh Bukenya also urged Ugandans to maintain peace and stability as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, UMSC Education Secretary Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu reflected on challenges that previously affected Islamic education assessments before the establishment of a centralized examination system under UMSC.
“Before 2016, there was confusion, with different private associations conducting examinations independently,” Sheikh Cucu said.
“We engaged the Link Schools, which agreed to operate under UMSC, but the Uganda Qur’an Schools Association declined the proposal.”
He cautioned that only certificates issued by the IPLE Board are officially recognized, and called upon District Kadhis to ensure that all Madrassas and Tahfiz centres are properly registered.
