Inmates studying in Uganda’s prison schools have recorded impressive results in the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), showing how education can change lives even behind bars.
A total of 313 inmates were registered to sit for the exams across different prisons in the country. Out of these, 280 candidates took the exams, while 19 were absent after being released before the examination period. The results showed strong performance: 15 candidates scored Division One, 159 got Division Two, 75 achieved Division Three, and 31 earned Division Four. Only 19 candidates were ungraded.
Education officials and prison authorities attributed the success to the inmates’ dedication, committed teachers, support from partners, and the Uganda Prisons Service’s focus on education as a key part of rehabilitation.
At Soroti Main Prison, 12 inmates sat for the exams and all performed well. One candidate scored Division One, nine obtained Division Two, and two achieved Division Three. The best performer, Kawuma Rogers, scored an aggregate of 11. He said he hopes to become a lawyer one day and thanked prison authorities for supporting his education.
The 2025 PLE results were officially released on January 30, 2026, at State House Nakasero by the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni. She praised the Uganda Prisons Service for giving inmates the chance to continue learning while serving their sentences, saying education plays a vital role in rehabilitation.
Strong performances were also recorded in other prisons such as Luzira and Mbarara. For many inmates, the results represent hope, personal growth, and a second chance to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society after release.
