Let’s get one thing straight: UNEB does not print second copies of original certificates. If yours is lost, burnt, or stolen, that specific piece of paper is gone forever. However, you can get a Letter of Verification (LVR) or a Hard-Card Letter, which carry the same legal weight as the original for jobs, travel, and university entry.
Since you cannot get a “replacement” in the literal sense, here is the exact process to get your official verification as of early 2026.
1. The Mandatory Police Report
You cannot approach UNEB without proof that you lost the document.
- Visit the Police: Go to the nearest police station and report the loss.
- Get the Extract: Ask for a Police Letter/Extract specifically mentioning the lost certificate (for example, “Lost UCE Certificate for Index U0001/001”).
- The Cost: This usually involves a small administrative fee at the station.
2. Get Your School Introduction Letter
UNEB needs your former school to vouch for you.
- The Letter: Visit your former school where you sat the exams and ask for an introductory letter addressed to the Executive Secretary, UNEB.
- If the School Closed: This is common. If your school no longer exists, head to the District Education Office (DEO) in the district where the school was located. They will issue the letter on the school’s behalf.
3. Apply via UNEB e-Services
Gone are the days of wandering around Ntinda offices all day. You can do this from your phone.
- Portal: Go to the UNEB e-Services Portal.
- Select Service: Click on “Apply for Letter of Verification.”
- Upload Scans: You will need clear color scans of the Police Letter, the School/DEO Introduction Letter, and a valid ID (National ID or Passport).
4. Pay the Fees
Once you submit the online form, the system will generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN).
- Ordinary Letter: UGX 50,000 (usually ready in 3 to 5 working days).
- Hard-Card Letter: UGX 100,000. This is a durable, plastic-coated card often required by international bodies or nursing councils.
- Payment Method: You can pay via MTN/Airtel Mobile Money or at any bank using the PRN.
5. Collection
- Notification: You will receive an SMS or email when your letter is ready.
- Location: Pick it up at the UNEB Ntinda Office Block in Kampala.
- Direct to MoFA: If you need this for a visa, you can tick a box during the application to have UNEB send the letter directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for you.
Losing a certificate feels like a disaster, but the Letter of Verification is your legal lifeline. It is universally accepted by the Public Service Commission, universities, and embassies. Just remember that the process starts with a police report and an introduction letter; without those two, the system will not move.
