Privacy: Govt bans public display of individual exam results

The ministry of Education and Sports has officially banned the public display of individual candidates’ national examination results, citing violations of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.

In a May 5, 2025, circular addressed to all heads of institutions and proprietors of private schools, permanent secretary Kedrace Turyagenda expressed concern over “the continued publication of Uganda National Examinations results—specifically individual candidates’ scores, result slips, and photographs—across public media channels and billboards.”

“This practice is in violation of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019,” the circular read, reminding school leaders that during the recent release of the 2024 PLE, UCE, and UACE results, the First Lady and minister of Education and Sports had already cautioned schools against publicizing candidates’ results.

Turyagenda emphasized the ministry’s responsibility to safeguard learners’ privacy, dignity, and well-being, stating that academic achievements must be handled with discretion and legal compliance.

The ministry noted that the public display of results exposes learners to undue stress, anxiety, and potential harassment or stigma, warning that such actions are unlawful under part VIII, section 36 (1–2) of the Data Protection and Privacy Act.

This section prescribes penalties for non-compliance. “All schools are directed to comply,” the circular stated, stressing that schools must “avoid using candidates’ examination results for advertising or marketing purposes.”

Instead, schools are encouraged to highlight holistic education experiences—including extracurricular activities, community engagement, and institutional achievements—without revealing personal data.

To ensure compliance, Turyagenda instructed that examination results must be privately communicated to learners and their parents or guardians via sealed letters or secure digital platforms. Schools must also refrain from displaying results on notice boards, social media, or any public forums.

Where necessary, schools may share general performance summaries that do not include names or photographs of individual students. The ministry further urged school heads to sensitize all key stakeholders—staff, students, parents, and governing bodies—on the importance of confidentiality when handling examination results.

“All headteachers of private schools are specifically urged to enforce this directive diligently,” Turyagenda warned. “Any head of school found in breach of this guidance will face stern disciplinary action.”

She concluded that the circular was intended to reaffirm the ministry’s legal position, protect learners’ rights, and provide clear guidance on the appropriate communication of national examination results.