Police in Mubende District have arrested a 36-year-old man for allegedly impersonating a student during the ongoing Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations.

Leonard Elungat was reportedly caught writing the Agriculture Paper One at Mubende Army School on October 28, 2025, while using another candidate's identity.

According to SP Racheal Kawala, the Wamala Region Police spokesperson, preliminary findings indicate that Elungat had been suspended from the school in 2024 while in Senior Three but managed to sneak back this year and sit several papers using the details of another student.

"The headteacher, while supervising the exam, identified Elungat as a former student who had been suspended in 2024. Upon checking, it was discovered that he was using the index number belonging to a student named Justus Atuhaire, who had not registered for the Agriculture paper and was absent at the time," SP Kawala said.

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After being questioned by school officials, Elungat escaped from the school but was later picked up in the township and handed over to police.

Further investigation revealed that he had already completed seven papers using Atuhaire's index number (259).

"The suspect was later sighted in Mubende Town on October 29, 2025, and police were immediately informed. He was arrested and is currently in custody as investigations continue," SP Kawala added.

Police commended the vigilance of school administrators and examination supervisors, urging all heads of schools to remain alert to prevent impersonation and malpractice during the Uganda National Examinations Board.

"We call upon the public and school authorities to be extra vigilant. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of national exams but also attract serious legal consequences," SP Kawala warned.

Elungat is expected to face charges of personation and examination malpractice once investigations are concluded.