This week as Primary Seven pupils tussle it out with the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), behind them is a key body committed to making sure that everything goes right, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

UNEB is the examining body that conducts the Primary Leaving Certificate, Uganda Certificate of Education, Uganda Advance Certificate Uganda, Business Education and Diplomas, Uganda Technical Education Certificate and Diplomas in Uganda.

It started 28 years ago and was established in 1983 by an act of Parliament to conduct specific examinations in Uganda, Act 2 of 1983. This means it was approved by a Parliament vote. Before UNEB, there was the East Africa Examinations Council for Uganda and Kenya after Tanzania had withdrawn.

The examining body is responsible for conducting or coordinating activities concerning the examinations in the country like setting exams, proof reading or verifying papers, supervising, adjudicating (pass judgment), distribution of exam material, collecting, marking and issuing certificates among other duties.

The board works independently under a chairman normally appointed by the head of state.

The board consists of different government officials like the Education Officer, Chief Inspector of Schools, from Education Service Commission, and heads of other teaching institutions. It is the board that approves all certificates given to candidates which are signed by the chairman.