The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has issued new guidelines to secondary schools on how to handle Senior Four (S.4) repeaters and learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for the 2026 academic year.

In a circular dated March 17, 2026, UNEB noted that many schools continue to receive learners who sat for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) in 2024 and 2025 but wish to repeat S.4. The Board also highlighted cases of learners who completed Senior Three (S.3) but were unable to proceed to S.4 and now want to resume their studies.

UNEB has directed head teachers to admit such learners, provided they meet specific academic and assessment requirements.

Who Is Affected by the New UNEB Guidelines

The directive applies to two categories of learners. These include students who studied under the CBC, completed UCE in recent years, and intend to repeat S.4, as well as those who successfully finished S.3 but did not transition to the next level.

Schools are required to ensure that all such learners meet the conditions set by UNEB before being fully enrolled.

Key Requirements for S.4 Repeaters in 2026

According to the Board, all S.4 repeaters must attend classes throughout 2026 and undergo continuous assessment at school. Institutions are expected to compile and submit Continuous Assessment (CA) scores covering Activities of Integration and Subject Achievement for both Term One and Term Two.

UNEB emphasized that only learners whose S.3 assessment records were previously submitted will qualify under this arrangement.

Rules for S.3 Learners Returning to School

Learners who completed S.3 but failed to advance to S.4 are also allowed to resume their studies. However, they must continue with their project work, focusing on implementation, reporting, and dissemination as required under the CBC framework.

For S.4 repeaters, UNEB advised that thy should review their project work for implementation, reporting and dissemination competency for assessment and submission.

Strict Conditions on Subjects and Submission Timelines

In its guidance, UNEB maintained that all learners must retain the subjects they registered while in S.3. 

Schools have also been reminded to strictly follow submission timelines outlined in an earlier circular issued on February 24, 2026, particularly regarding Continuous Assessment data.

What the New Guidelines Mean

The latest directive provides a structured opportunity for learners to either repeat or resume their studies within the CBC system. However, it also reinforces strict compliance with assessment procedures to maintain consistency and credibility in national examinations.

Education stakeholders say the move will help streamline the transition and ensure that all learners are evaluated fairly under the revised curriculum.

With these new guidelines, UNEB has clarified the path for S.4 repeaters and returning S.3 learners in 2026. Schools and students are now expected to align fully with the requirements, particularly in continuous assessment and project work, to ensure a smooth academic progression.