In a move aimed at upholding student privacy and compliance with national law, Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a directive banning the public display of individual candidates’ Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) results. The decision, communicated in a circular addressed to school administrators across the country, warns against the practice of posting students’ names, scores, photos, or results on school billboards, banners, and digital or print media.
Privacy Law at the Center of Policy Change
The Ministry cites the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, as the legal basis for the new directive. The Act, which governs how personal data is collected, processed, and stored, classifies examination results as personal information. According to the law, such data cannot be publicly disclosed without the consent of the individual or their guardian in the case of minors.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagenda stressed the need for schools to align with the provisions of the law, stating, “The public display of UNEB results violates the right to privacy of learners. Schools are urged to refrain from any practices that expose individual student data to unauthorized persons.”
A Shift from Tradition
For decades, schools in Uganda have used the public display of UNEB results as a form of celebration and promotion—often showcasing top-performing students on banners, posters, and social media platforms. Some institutions even erect billboards highlighting outstanding performers, using the results as a marketing strategy to attract prospective students.
However, this widespread tradition has drawn criticism in recent years, with education advocates and privacy experts raising concerns about the psychological pressure and stigmatization of low-performing students. The new directive is seen as a progressive move towards protecting students’ dignity and encouraging a more balanced academic environment.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The announcement has sparked varied reactions among educators, parents, and students. Some school administrators welcomed the directive, saying it brings much-needed clarity on issues of data handling in the education sector. Others expressed concern that it could reduce transparency and limit recognition of academic excellence.
“We understand the privacy concerns, but celebrating success is also important,” said a secondary school headteacher in Kampala who asked not to be named. “Perhaps a middle ground can be found, such as publishing anonymized performance summaries.”
Parents have also weighed in, with some lauding the move as a safeguard against undue public pressure. “I’ve seen kids fall into depression after seeing their names compared online,” said Janet Namugga, a mother of a PLE candidate. “This will help focus on personal progress instead of public competition.”
UNEB to Provide Official Communication Channels
In light of the ban, UNEB and the Ministry are expected to strengthen official communication channels through which schools and parents can access results. The use of secure SMS platforms and web portals is likely to be encouraged, ensuring that results are accessed privately and only by authorized individuals.
The directive is also expected to prompt a review of internal data management practices in schools, including how student information is stored, shared, and archived.
Looking Ahead
As Uganda’s education sector continues to modernize and digitize, the emphasis on data protection is likely to grow. The Ministry’s decision marks a significant step in aligning educational practices with national data privacy legislation, potentially setting a precedent for other sectors where personal information is publicly handled.
In Summary
- The Ministry of Education has banned public display of UNEB results.
- The directive is based on the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.
- Schools are prohibited from posting student names, scores, and photos.
- The decision is intended to protect student privacy and dignity.
- Mixed reactions have emerged, with some calling for balanced recognition of student success.
As the policy takes effect, schools are urged to comply promptly and sensitively—preserving academic celebration while safeguarding the rights of learners.
