The Remarkable Academic Success of Uganda's Prison Inmates in PLE Exams

On January 23, 2025, the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results were released, spotlighting the exceptional achievements of inmates from Luzira Upper Prison and Mbarara Main Prison. At Luzira, out of 71 registered candidates, 59 took the exams.

Their performance was notable: four inmates reached Division 1, 36 attained Division 2, 13 scored Division 3, and six secured Division 4, with no candidates left ungraded. Similarly, at Mbarara Main Prison, all 37 registered candidates participated, with results distributed across the divisions: four in Division 1, 20 in Division 2, 10 in Division 3, and three in Division 4.

The solid performance of these inmates underscores the impact and importance of educational programs in prisons, which help prepare inmates for reintegration by providing them with knowledge and skills.

Dan Odongo, the Executive Director of UNEB, praised the prison education system for its role in offering hope and new opportunities, stating, "Education is a powerful tool for transformation, and the success of these candidates highlights the dedication of the prison staff and educators to offer second chances."

The overall participation in the 2024 PLE increased to 797,444 candidates under the theme “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment.” The inclusion of prison inmates in the examination process exemplifies the inclusivity of Uganda’s educational system.

While the national performance showed improvements, with more candidates scoring Division 2 or higher, UNEB noted difficulties with application-based questions across various subjects, indicating a need for ongoing improvements in teaching methods.

Additionally, despite some incidents of examination malpractice, quick actions by UNEB helped maintain the integrity of the examinations, aligning with their strict no-tolerance policy against such offenses.

The success stories from the prisons are a powerful testament to the potential for positive change and personal growth, demonstrating the transformative effect of education on individuals and communities, even under difficult conditions.

These achievements represent not just academic success but also hope and resilience, reinforcing the importance of education in transforming lives.