Teenage Candidate Gives Birth to Baby Boy During PLE in Moroto

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1536 EAT on Monday 3 November 2025

A 17-year-old candidate sitting for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at Acherer Primary School in Moroto District gave birth to a baby boy while taking her mathematics paper on Tuesday morning.

According to health officials, the teenager arrived at Acherer Health Centre II at around 6:00 a.m. as she waited for her exam, determined to sit despite being in labour.

At 9:00 a.m., she began writing her mathematics paper from the health facility. However, by 9:35 a.m., her labour pains intensified, and she delivered a healthy baby boy weighing three kilograms at exactly 10:00 a.m.

Susan Lowal, an enrolled midwife at Acherer Health Centre II, confirmed that both mother and baby were in good health after a normal delivery.

“By 9:35 a.m., she was fully dilated, and we kept encouraging her to push. She delivered normally at 10:00 a.m.,” Lowal said, adding that the teenager will remain under observation for 24 hours before being discharged.

She noted that the candidate will complete the remaining exams at the health facility to allow medical staff to continue monitoring her condition.

Teddy Flavia Awili, head teacher of Acherer Primary School, said a total of 27 candidates are sitting for the exams this year, including the one who gave birth during the papers.

“She was allowed to write her exams from the health centre because of her condition. The examination exercise has gone smoothly, and no challenges have been reported so far,” Awili said.

Moroto District Education Officer (DEO) Hellen Aligoi said 935 candidates, including two learners with special needs from Kasimeri and Moroto Army primary schools, are sitting for their final examinations across the district.

Aligoi added that the schools were well-prepared for the exams and no incidents of malpractice had been reported.

“Although the teachers’ strike affected our schedule, candidates had enough time to revise. The World Food Programme also supported schools with food to help learners during their preparation,” she said.

The DEO expressed optimism that this year’s candidates will perform well, commending teachers for ensuring the syllabus was completed and learners were adequately prepared.