BREAKING!! Three Arrested in Lira for Attempted Bribery to Influence PLE Supervision

Police in Lira City have arrested three individuals accused of attempting to bribe an official from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) in a desperate bid to manipulate the conduct of the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), which officially commence today.

The suspects, now in police custody, have been identified as Odongo George, Director of Atura Community Day Primary School; Ekut Simon, aged 32, a former teacher at the same institution; and Awoko Lavoiser, aged 26, currently a teacher at St. Gracious Primary School, Barapwo, in Lira City West Division.

According to police reports, the trio allegedly conspired to bribe a UNEB Scout from Lira who had been assigned to supervise the national examinations in Oyam District. The suspects reportedly offered the official a cash bribe of Shs 1 million in exchange for “favorable consideration” during the examination process.

Their intention, investigators believe, was to compromise the integrity of the PLE—a crucial national assessment that marks the completion of primary education for thousands of pupils across the country. The examinations, which begin today, are closely monitored by UNEB officials and security agencies to ensure transparency and fairness.

Acting swiftly on a reliable tip-off, police operatives laid a trap that led to the suspects’ arrest at Garden Hotel in Lira City. During the operation, officers recovered the Shs 1 million in cash, which has since been exhibited as evidence in the ongoing investigation.

“The act was intended to undermine the integrity of the national examinations scheduled to start tomorrow,” a police source confirmed, adding that the quick response helped avert what could have been a serious case of examination malpractice.

Police say investigations are still underway, and the suspects will soon be arraigned in court. They are expected to face charges under Section 26 (1)(g) of the UNEB Act, Cap 259, which criminalizes any act of attempting to influence the administration of national examinations. Upon conviction, the offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of Shs 20 million, or both.

In response to the incident, UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo issued a stern warning to all individuals involved in the supervision and conduct of the PLE. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, reminding them of the serious consequences that come with attempting to manipulate national assessments.

“We caution the public and all those involved in the supervision of the PLE to desist from engaging in acts of aiding or abetting examination malpractice,” Odongo stated.

He further emphasized UNEB’s commitment to protecting the credibility of Uganda’s education system, noting that the board is working hand-in-hand with the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies.

“UNEB is working closely with the Police and other security agencies, who will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone attempting to compromise the credibility of national examinations, regardless of their position or status,” he emphasized.

As the PLE begins, UNEB and security officials have stepped up vigilance across all examination centers nationwide. The arrest in Lira City serves as a strong reminder that any attempt to influence the examination process—no matter how small—will be met with swift and decisive action.