Lubiri S.S. to host nationwide competence tests for UGIFT head teachers

The race to lead Uganda’s newest government‑funded seed secondary schools enters a decisive phase next week as the Education Service Commission (ESC) convenes competence tests for shortlisted headteachers and deputy headteachers at Lubiri Senior Secondary School in Kampala.  The written assessments, slated for Monday, May 4, 2026, will start at 8:00 am and draw candidates from across the country who responded to Internal Advert No. 05/2025 of December 22, 2025 and its February 2, 2026 addendum for UGIFT Seed Schools under the Ministry of Education and Sports.[Attachment]

In a notice dated April 28, 2026, the Commission confirmed that the shortlist for the competence tests has been released and is available on its website, urging all applicants to verify their status online before travelling to the capital.  Those whose names do not appear on the official list have been advised to consider themselves unsuccessful at this stage of recruitment, closing the door on hundreds who had expressed interest in taking charge of the fast‑expanding UGIFT school network.[Attachment]

The Commission has issued strict reporting guidelines, insisting that only shortlisted candidates will be allowed into the examination venue and that each must present a valid National Identity Card and a pen.  Candidates have been told to appear as scheduled because the ESC will not entertain requests for rescheduling, a move officials say is intended to protect the integrity and tight timelines of the selection process.[Attachment]
Details from the registration forms show a diverse pool of candidates competing for the post of Headteacher, Secondary Education under the online internal advert stream.  The 2026 list includes, among others, Mujuni Paul (ESC/HT/BIKUR/001), Tukundane Stuart N (ESC/HT/BIKUR/002), Tani Richard (ESC/HT/GETOM/001) and Apolot Harriet Margret (ESC/HT/KAUK/001), as well as candidates such as Cherwaru Rachael, Eongo John Paul and Mutonyi Grace, all lined up for different UGIFT schools.[Attachment]

Alongside the main shortlist, the Commission has published an addendum for earlier applicants also scheduled to sit competence tests for headteacher positions at Lubiri S.S., with their session also beginning at 8:00 am.  This addendum list features names such as Kadondi Dorothy (ESC/HT/AGIRIGIROI/001), Oduwan John Francis Aaca (ESC/HT/AGIRIGIROI/002) and Okalebo John Peter (ESC/HT/AGIRIGIROI/003), followed by dozens of others earmarked for schools including Alito, Amolo, Bushogye, Dakabela, Gumpi, Idudi, Kachuru, Kaiti, Kalububbu, Kambuga and several faith‑based institutions like St. Joseph, St. Mary’s and St. Paul.[Attachment]

The ESC has also moved to shield applicants from fraud, stressing in bold that all services provided by the Commission are free of charge and warning candidates against paying money to anyone claiming to influence the process.  Officials insist that the competence tests are designed to ensure that UGIFT Seed Schools are led by “efficient and effective education service personnel,” echoing the Commission’s vision and the government’s broader push to professionalise school leadership under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) programme.[Attachment]

Clean announcement / “Interviews” notice (box text)
EDUCATION SERVICE COMMISSION  
Notice of competence tests for Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers – UGIFT Seed Secondary Schools[Attachment]

The Education Service Commission informs all applicants who responded to:[Attachment]
•    Internal Advert No. 05/2025 (22nd December 2025), and
•    Addendum to Internal Advert No. 5/2025 (2nd February 2026),
for the posts of Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher in UGIFT Seed Secondary Schools, Ministry of Education and Sports, that the shortlist for the competence tests has been released.[Attachment]
Test details[Attachment]
•    Date: Monday, 4th May 2026
•    Time: 08:00 am (candidates are advised to report by 7:30 am)
•    Venue: Lubiri Senior Secondary School, Kampala
Instructions to candidates[Attachment]
•    Only applicants whose names appear on the official shortlist on the ESC website (www.esc.go.ug) should report for the competence test.
•    Each shortlisted candidate must come with a valid National Identity Card and a pen.
•    Candidates must appear as scheduled; requests for rescheduling will not be accepted.
•    Candidates whose names do not appear on the shortlist should consider themselves unsuccessful.
•    All services provided by the Education Service Commission are FREE of charge. Do not pay money to any person in connection with these competence tests or any subsequent appointment.