The Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, has banned the public display of Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) results in newspapers, school notice boards, and other platforms, citing the need to protect student privacy.

In a directive issued on February 11, 2025, the minister emphasized that UNEB and other examination bodies must comply with the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, which safeguards individuals’ personal information from unauthorized disclosure. She noted that publishing student names, photographs, and individual grades exposes them to potential harassment, emotional distress, or discrimination.

“For years, students’ results have been widely displayed, sometimes without their consent. This practice can lead to unnecessary psychological pressure, bullying, and unfair comparisons,” she stated. “We must uphold the right to privacy for all learners and adopt modern, secure ways of disseminating results.”

Under the new directive, students and parents will access results through secure online portals, SMS services, and direct communication from schools. This shift aims to balance transparency with individual privacy while ensuring that academic achievements remain confidential to the concerned parties.

The decision marks a significant change from the long-standing tradition of publishing national exam results in newspapers and pasting them on school notice boards. While some critics argue that publicized results foster accountability and competitiveness, supporters believe that the new policy will create a more respectful and dignified approach to student assessments.

UNEB is expected to implement the new guidelines immediately, with further instructions on secure result access methods to be communicated soon.