The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a firm directive barring schools from publicly displaying individual candidates’ results from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), citing concerns over privacy and mental well-being.
In a circular dated May 7, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, instructed school heads across the country to immediately cease the publication of students’ examination results on billboards, social media platforms, and any other public channels.
The Ministry argues that this growing trend violates learners’ rights under Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, which mandates the protection of personal data and upholds the confidentiality of individuals’ information.
“The Ministry has observed with concern the persistent practice of publicly sharing UNEB results on various media platforms, including large displays and digital outlets,” Dr. Turyagyenda wrote. “This is not only a breach of the law but also a serious invasion of learners’ privacy.”
Officials say the move is designed to protect students from potential emotional distress caused by public exposure, which could result in embarrassment, peer comparison, stigma, or even harassment.
“Publishing individual results publicly puts undue pressure on learners and their families. It can heighten anxiety, encourage unhealthy competition, and expose children to ridicule or praise based on factors beyond their control,” the circular warned.
The Ministry has reiterated that schools have a moral and legal responsibility to protect the dignity and welfare of their students. Educational institutions are being urged to adopt ethical communication practices when conveying academic results.
Under the new directive, schools are strictly prohibited from using UNEB results for promotional purposes or institutional marketing. Instead, schools are encouraged to showcase their holistic development programs, including extracurricular activities, community engagement, academic innovations, and alumni success stories.
The Ministry also outlined acceptable methods for result dissemination, recommending that schools adopt confidential channels such as sealed envelopes handed directly to parents or guardians, or secure digital platforms accessible only to intended recipients.
“Results must not be pinned on notice boards, broadcast on social media, or made accessible to the general public in any form,” Dr. Turyagyenda emphasized.
This move by the Ministry marks a significant step towards reinforcing data privacy and child protection policies in Uganda’s education sector. It aligns with growing global concerns about the use of children’s personal data in both public and commercial domains.
While public celebration of top-performing candidates has long been a tradition in many schools, critics argue that such practices often overshadow collective efforts and can demoralize average-performing students.
The Ministry’s directive is expected to spark conversation among educators, parents, and policymakers about the best ways to balance academic recognition with students’ right to privacy and emotional safety.
