2025
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2( ) Hours
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ALLIANCE EXAMINATIONS BOARD-2025
Uganda Certificate of Education
Biology
Paper one
2 Hours and 30 minutes
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES.
• This paper consists of seven examination items. It has two sections; A and B.
• Section A has three compulsory items.
• Section B has two Parts; I and II. Answer one item from each part.
• Answer five items in all.
• Any additional item(s) answered will not be scored.
©2025ALLIANCE EXAMINATIONS BOARD TURN OVER
SECTION A
Answer all the items in this section in the spaces provided.
Item One.
Mr. Kibet’s maize farm was trampled and grazed upon by stray cattle from a nearby
ranch during the tasseling stage. The ranch owner has denied responsibility, and Mr.
Kibet is concerned about the potential loss of his harvest.
Fig. 1 Shows cattle damaging maize plants.
Tasks:
a) Identify the specific parts of the maize plants that were most likely damaged by
the cattle.
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b) Explain how the trampling and grazing could disrupt the growth and
development of the maize plants.
c) Suggest two measures Mr. Kibet could take to protect his farm from future
invasions by stray animals.
Item Two.
Sarah was returning home from a late-night study session at the library. As she walked
through a dimly lit park, she suddenly noticed a large, aggressive dog blocking her path.
The dog began growling and baring its teeth. Sarah’s heart started pounding, her palms
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became sweaty, and she quickly scanned the area for an escape route. She spotted a low
wall nearby and jumped over it just as the dog lunged toward her.
Fig. 3 shows Sarah encountering the aggressive dog in the park.
Tasks for the Learner:
a) Describe the role of the autonomic nervous system in Sarah’s physical reactions
when she encountered the dog.
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b) Propose a hypothesis about how Sarah’s reaction might differ if she had been
under the influence of a depressant (e.g., alcohol) instead of being sober. Justify
your hypothesis using biological principles related to the nervous system and
reflex actions.
Item Three.
David, a college student, frequently engaged in unprotected sex with multiple
partners. Despite knowing the risks, he avoided regular health check-ups and STI
screenings. After contracting HIV, David continued his behavior without disclosing
his status to his partners. Later, he fathered a child with his girlfriend, who was
unaware of his HIV status. During the pregnancy, the girlfriend skipped antenatal
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visits, assuming everything was fine. After birth, the baby showed signs of failure to
thrive, recurrent infections, and developmental delays. Medical tests confirmed the
baby had HIV and also exhibited features of a genetic disorder, including a small head
size and distinct facial abnormalities.
Tasks:
a) Spot out three consequences of David’s actions on his child’s health.
b) Create a dialogue between a healthcare worker and David explaining the
importance of antenatal care and safe sex practices.
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c) Compare and contrast any ethical responsibilities of David and his girlfriend in
this scenario. Discuss how their choices impacted the child’s health and propose
ways to prevent similar situations in the future.
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SECTION B
Part I
Answer only one item from this part. Answers should be written in the answer
booklet(s) provided.
Item Four.
In the Nakasongola District of Uganda, vast stretches of wetlands and swamps have
been drained for large-scale rice farming and brick-making. This has led to declining
water tables, loss of native wildlife (such as the endangered Sitatunga antelope and
migratory birds), and increased soil salinity. The district environment officer organized
a community dialogue on wetland conservation, but a local farmer, Kato, arrived late
and only heard the closing statement: "If we destroy our wetlands, we destroy our
future."
Task:
Explain to Kato the ecological and socio-economic impacts of draining wetlands in
Nakasongola.
Item Five.
Due to a severe drought in a neighboring country, a large number of people fled to
Uganda as refugees. The local government allocated land near a lake and a forest
reserve for their settlement. Over time, the refugees cut down trees for firewood and
shelter, polluted the lake with waste and plastic, and burned trash for warmth. This led
to increased soil erosion, water contamination, and outbreaks of malaria and cholera.
Task:
Identify two environmental impacts and two health impacts caused by the refugee
settlement in the scenario above.
Part II
Answer only one item from this part. Answers should be written in the answer
booklet(s) provided.
Item Six.
Two Ugandan cities, Mbarara and Jinja, have factories that release smoke, dust, and
harmful gases into the air. The air pollution levels in these cities are recorded in Table
1.
Table 1: Air pollution levels in Mbarara and Jinja
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CITY LEVEL OF AIR POLLUTION (UNITS)
Mbarara 20
Jinja 60
(According to the Uganda National Environment Management Authority (NEMA),
2023, the safe air pollution range is 0–30 units.)
David lived in Mbarara, where he enjoyed morning runs without any health problems.
After moving to Jinja for work, he continued his running routine but soon developed a
persistent cough, itchy eyes, and fatigue.
Task;
a) Explain why David had no health issues in Mbarara but developed symptoms
in Jinja.
b) Suggest two ways David can reduce his exposure to air pollution in Jinja.
c) Propose one measure the government can take to lower air pollution in Jinja.
Item Seven.
Maria, a 35-year-old woman from Kampala, Uganda, has been a heavy alcohol
consumer for 8 years. Recently, she has been suffering from liver pain, frequent fatigue,
swollen legs, and memory lapses. During her last pregnancy, she gave birth prematurely
at 6 months. Although the baby girl survived, she had breathing difficulties and showed
signs of developmental delays.
Tasks for the Learner:
a) Explain the causes of the health challenges faced by Maria and her baby,
linking them to her alcohol consumption.
b) Advise Maria on lifestyle changes and medical steps she should take to
improve her health and support her baby’s development.
END
