UGANDA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS BOARD

UGANDA CERTIFICATE OF LOWER EDUCATION

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

SAMPLE THEORY PAPER

PAPER I

2 Hours 15 Minutes

Proposed Marking Guide

Section A

1.  a) KIDOLE uses a computer to capture information about his business. Of late, his
computer started to slow down and hang during use. Explain an appropriate
solution that Kidole can use to solve the problem with his computer?
- Identification of the problem; The computer could be infected with viruses with
a the OS and a number of programs corrupted.
- Needs to back up all the work on the computer
- Re-install the OS and all other programs (3 scores, 1@)

b) In a school computer lab, learners directly access the files of their fellow students.
What appropriate measure can be used to improve security of the computer files?

- Identify the various users and create user logins.

- Provide backup options where copies of deleted files can be retrieved. (2 scores, 1@).

2. i) Describe how each of the following devices can be used for delivering a lesson in
Biology.

A B C
 A. Printer: Prints documents to guide discussions.
B. Projector: Gives shared views while learning.
C. Speakers: Sound projection while watching a video or listening to an audio. (1 Score
each).

ii) Explain any two precautions that should be observed while using any of the devices in i)
above.

- Handle with care.

- Remove from power when not in use
- Use an UPS for protection against power surges (Any 2@ 1 score) (2 scores)
3. (a)

Statement Device
A device used to convert a hard copy into soft copy Scanner
file
A device used to output the contents of an MP3 file speaker
at a party
A device for producing coloured images for a plotter
billboard

(b) A LaserJet printer uses tonner to form images on the sheet of paper/print media. The
printer creates a beam of light in form of the image to be printed. The beam of light heats the tonner
and the particles melt forming an image on the print media/paper.
The inkjet printer sprays droplets of ink onto the print media to form the required image or text.

4. (a) A computer uses system software and application software. Explain the
difference between these two categories of software. (2 scores)
Systems software is a set of programs that manage the way a computer operates
whereas application software refers to programs that solve end users’ specific
problems such as word processing, managing data, etc

(b) Jane tried to install a new programme on her computer. She got an error
message “you do not have sufficient storage space”. She has had this computer
for more than 5 years.
Share with Jane three different pieces of advice on how to address the challenge.
(3 scores)
- Try uninstalling unwanted programs on the computer to free some space.
- Run Disk Clean up. You can free disk space by deleting files that you do not need.
- Use disk compression utility. This helps you add more hard disk space.
 - Perform a clean boot. This reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the
root causes of the insufficient disk space error as a result of apps and services that
start and run in the background when Windows starts normally.
- Boot in Safe Mode. Safe mode starts up your computer with limited files and drivers
but Windows will still run. (Any 3 points)

5. A User logs on to his laptop computer using a thumb print and password. He does
not connect it to open wireless networks. He always tells his colleagues that “a
laptop is a personal device not for sharing”.
a) Share your personal views on why the User;
i) logs in with both a thumb print and a password. (1 score)

To provide double security.

ii) avoids open wireless networks.

Avoids intrusion into the user’s laptop through the network. (1 score)

(a) Give one importance of:

(i) Computer Authentication (1 score)
Authentication helps organisations to keep their networks secure by allowing only authorised
users (or processes) to access its protected resources, which may include computer systems,
networks, databases, websites and other network-based applications or services.
(ii) Data Confidentiality (1 score)
Data Confidentiality protects the disclosure of information by ensuring that the
organisational data is limited to those authorised individuals.

(iii)Data Integrity (1 score)

Data integrity also refers to the safety of data in regard to regulatory compliance and
security. The importance of data integrity is protecting data loss or a data leak. In order to
keep your data safe from outside forces with malicious intent, you must first ensure that
internal users are handling data correctly.

6. (a) Explain the key role for each of the following stakeholders in managing e-waste
in your community.
(i) Management authorities (1 score)
- Release of regulation
- Planning
- Operation of the system
- Environmental inspection

(ii) Collectors (1 score)

- Collection of the e-waste
- Submission to qualified recyclers
 (iii) Waste disposers (1 score)

- Incineration of hazardous material and waste

(b) Share any two societal challenges that are as a result of poor e-waste
management (2 scores)

- Water pollution
- Air pollution
- Electronic waste contains toxic components that are dangerous to  human
health, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, barium and lithium

7. The school computers in the computer laboratory are having a problem of limited
storage space.
(a) Suggest three ways of solving this problem. (3 scores)

- Extend Drive with Unallocated Space

- Clean Junk Files 
- Clean Large Files
- Transfer Large Files to an External
- Uninstall applications which are no longer in use
(b) The teacher of ICT in a school in Uganda stores his files on Drop Box and Google
Drive. Suggest any two challenges he is likely to face. (2 scores)
- Risk of data confidentiality
There is always a risk that user data can be accessed by third parties if data and cloud
protection systems are not good. Depends on internet connection. The internet is the
only way to cloud computing. When there is no internet connection in your place, or
the internet path to the cloud provider is in trouble, automatically access to your cloud
computing machine will be disconnected.
- The level of security
Not being in control of our own systems’security. Secrecy and security are among the
most doubtful things in cloud computing. By using a cloud computing system means
we have fully entrusted the security and confidentiality of data to companies that
provide cloud computing services.
- Vulnerable in the event of an attack
There are lots of arguments against cloud computing one of which is that because the
Cloud Computing services are online, they are exposed to a wide range of attacks
online which may be difficult to control. Technical problem
Managing cloud computing services depends on the efficiency of the service providers
and availability of customer support all of which is not in direct control of the user.

8. Two competing companies A and B produce similar products. Company A reaches

out to customers using printed flyers and billboards around the community while
company B has active Facebook and Titter platforms.
 (a) What are the likely advantages of Company A over Company B? (2 scores)
- Flyers and billboard advertising favour all categories of people whether
literate or illiterate unlike company B which favours only the elite class.
- Accessing information using flyers and billboards on the side of the
population does not cost anything since flyers are given to them free of
charge unlike social media information access where the audience needs
internet services to access information.
- Advertising using billboards makes a huge and eye catching advert unlike
social media platforms.
- There is increased frequency of consumer exposure when using flyers and
billboards unlike social media platforms.

(b) What are the likely advantages of Company B over Company A? (2 scores)
- Editing in the final product can be done in a matter of seconds.
- There is worldwide coverage in terms of market.
- The costs of online advertising are fairly low compared to those of print.

(c) Which of the two approaches would be appropriate for SELLING company
products in your community and why? (1 score)
Advertising using flyers and billboards is the most appropriate approach in my area
because not all people are computer literate.

OR: The use of Facebook and Twitter is appropriate where the users are ICT literate
and have the appropriate ICT services.

9. Students of Senior One shared complaints of having backaches, headaches and

painful shoulders as a result of participating in a computer training workshop that
lasted one week.
(a) Explain the possible causes of
(i) backaches (1 score)
Caused by over bending and not using the right furniture while using
computers.
(ii) headaches (1 score)
- Using computers for long hours without breaks
- Too much light emitted by the screen/monitor
- Too much noise from the systems unit
(iii) painful shoulders (1 score)
Sitting at a desk with your arm in an outreached position in order to use your mouse
for long periods of time.
(b) Share your advice on how any two of the above challenges can be avoided by the
students. (2 scores)
 How to avoid (any two @1 score):

backache
- Use proper furniture when using computers (swivel chairs)
- Get breaks while using computers
headache
- Get breaks while using computers
- Reduce monitor light/antiglare screens
- Need to replace computer fans which make noise.
painful shoulders
- Use proper furniture (i.e. chair and table) while using computers
- Exercise your limbs regularly while using computers.
10.(a) Fill in the table below with the appropriate tool for each of the functions. (3
scores)

Function Tool
Reading thumb prints at the workplace Finger print scanner/biometric scanner
Measuring the temperature of a domestic Thermometer
animal
Reading prices of commodities at a point of Bar code reader
sales

(b) Imagine you have been assigned a task to prepare a presentation about
germination of a bean seed. Identify the ICT tools you would need to collect data and
what you would use each tool for. (2 scores)
- Camera/video recorder - For recording pictures of germination
- Web cam/camera – For recording data/pictures about germination
- Laptop/desktop – For capturing data and keeping data to use during the
presentation
- I-Pad – for capturing data and keeping data to use during the presentation
- Tablet – for capturing data and keeping data to use during the presentation

SECTION B

Answer any two questions from this section.

11. Imagine you were dropped in the middle of a forest. You are not able to identify
where you are. In your pocket, you have a functioning smartphone that has no sim
card in it. You realise that it can access an active hot spot for an abandoned camping
site nearby. Write down a detailed step by step account of the steps you would take
 to get yourself out of the forest back to safety? (15
scores)
- Connect my phone to the active hotspot
- This is meant to connect me to the internet
- Turn on the GPS on my phone
- Open Google maps on my phone
- Type the name of my residence or the nearest trading centre e.g. Kyambogo
University
- Specify that I am walking on the Google map
- Tap directions and choose start
- This facility will show me my current place and will provide directions I need
to take to my desired destination.

Any five logical steps @ 3 scores

12. Bruce works as a secretary at a law firm. His work requires him together with 20
other colleagues to work on a computer for more than 8 hours a day, six days a
week. Each of these employees can work for a maximum of 3 days a week and then
take a break. The office policy allows anyone in office to work on a case at hand
irrespective of who created its documents. At times they are forced to collaborate in
order to get the same understanding about the case. As a student of ICT,
(a) Guide Bruce and his colleagues on how they can store files in a way that allows
them to work effectively. (7 scores)
- Use removable storage devices like flash disk where one can save and
share the storage media with their colleagues.
- Use of well labelled folders on the office computer where all the
colleagues can access files.
- Use online collaborative means of creating, editing and saving files e.g.
using Google docs.
- Joint online storage of office files where all the workers have the online
account credentials for accessing and editing of office files e.g. using
Google drive

(b) Advise Bruce on how he can reduce chances of getting health related challenges
that may come as a result of his work environment. (8 scores)

Preventing computer-related overuse injuries

Tips to avoid overuse injuries of the hand or arm include:

 Have your mouse at the same height as your correctly positioned keyboard.
  Position the mouse as close as possible to the side of the keyboard.
 Use your whole arm, not just your wrist, when using the mouse.
 Type lightly and gently.
 Mix your tasks to avoid long, uninterrupted stretches of using the computer.
 Remove your hands from the keyboard when not actively typing, to let your
arms relax.

Preventing eyestrain from computer use

Tips to avoid eyestrain include:

 Make sure your main source of light (such as a window) is not shining into
your face or directly onto the computer screen.
 Tilt the screen slightly to avoid reflections or glare.
 Make sure the screen is not too close to your face.
 Put the screen either at eye level or slightly lower.
 Reduce the contrast and brightness of your screen by adjusting the controls.
 Frequently look away from the screen and focus on faraway objects.
 Have regular eye examinations to check that any blurring, headaches and
other associated problems are not caused by any underlying disorders.

Preventing injury from laptop computers

Tips to reduce laptop dangers include:

 Use a correctly set-up desktop computer instead of a laptop as often as you can.
 Use peripheral equipment, such as a docking station, separate keyboard, mouse
and laptop stand.
 Take frequent breaks.
 Carry your laptop in a backpack or in wheel-along luggage.

13. Imagine you are at a camp site in a remote village and realise the many features
near the camp site are what was required for your Geography coursework. You need
to take a number of photos of these features because they will be helpful in your
coursework. You only have access to two devices with you. A new digital camera
that does not have a memory card in it but has internal storage that can
accommodate about 5 images and a laptop whose webcam is faulty. Both laptop and
camera support Bluetooth technology. You need to take not less than 30 photos for
the coursework to be fully covered.

Explain in detail how you can get all the necessary photos without leaving the camp
site? (15 scores)
- Turn on the phone’s Bluetooth and pair it with the laptop Bluetooth
- Take the first five photos using the camera by saving them on its internal
memory space.
- Using Bluetooth feature on the laptop, set it to receive a file.
- Send the files from the phone to the laptop.
- Delete the remaining copies on the phone to free space.
- Take new pictures using the camera.
- Repeat the procedure of sending files to the laptop from the phone through
Bluetooth technology until all the required pictures have been taken and
saved on the laptop.
Any five pts - @3pts = 15 scores
END
 UGANDA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS BOARD
UGANDA CERTIFICATE OF LOWER EDUCATION

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

SAMPLE PRACTICAL PAPER

PAPER 2

PAPER 2 (PRACTICAL)

TIME: 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES

Instructions to Candidates

This paper is made up of two sections, Section A and Section B.

Section A is compulsory and takes 50 marks. You are required to attempt the two questions
in this Section.

Section B is made of three equally weighted questions. Each has a maximum score of 25
marks. Attempt any two questions.

Support files, where necessary, are provided.

Save your work on a CD for submission and also include printouts.

 Section A (50 Marks)
This section is compulsory.
Question 1: Word processing
i) A tree planting company wants to have their first issue of a tree planting magazine.
You are required to word process the available text based on the following
instructions to make the article readable.
ii) Using a suitable Word processing software package, load the file Tree planting.txt

iii) Set the page size to A4.

iv) Set the page orientation to landscape.
v) Format the entire document into three equally spaced columns, with a 4 mm gap
between the columns with a ‘Times New Roman’ font style.
vi) Set text to 1.5-line spacing
vii)Set the text to fully justified.
viii) Set the font size to 11 points
ix) Insert an appropriate image on the first page with text wrapping around its right
side only.
x) Format only the first page of the document as a single column
xi) Insert a centre aligned heading ‘Tree Planting Protects the Environment’ on the
first page with text font size 70 points and double underlined.
xii)Insert below the heading the words “Edited by <<Your full name>>” right aligned.
xiii) Locate the text “SUSTAINABLE PLANTATIONS” and ‘FORESTS ARE OUR
JEWELS’ and format them as headings. They should appear in upper case.
xiv) Create a footnote at your name. The information in the footnote should
contain your personal number.
xv) Place an automated page number
xvi) Insert a well visible page border around the entire document.
xvii) Save your work as ‘Tree Growing’ and print.

Question 2: Spreadsheets
MMM secondary school has just had their end of year examinations. The results for the
different subjects are in the document named results.docx. You are going to analyse these
results using a suitable spreadsheet software and answer the following questions.
i) Load the contents of the file Data.docx into a suitable spreadsheet application
ii) Insert your name and index number as the middle header.
iii) Determine the total score for every student.
iv) Determine the average score for each of the students and correct to two decimal
points.
 v) Use the Rank Function to assign each student a position in class.
vi) Create a word document and save it with the file name Results.docx
vii) Take a screen shot of your work and paste it in Word document Results.docx.
viii) Show the formulas used to calculate and take a screenshot and paste it in
Results.docx.
ix) Using any function of your choice, insert a comment column which automatically
assigns “Good performance” for the participants above Average 70, “Fair
performance” for the participants above average 50 and “Needs improvement” for
average 50 and below.
x) Create a column graph on a new sheet summarising the participants’ performance
showing their average scores.
xi) Format the chat with the following:
a. appropriate chart title
b. data label on each column
c. horizontal axis
d. vertical axis
xii) Display the table of scores used in the graph below the graph for easy interpretation
by the management.
xiii) Determine the modal mark for the class in all subjects and indicate it in the
Results.docx.
xiv) Save your work as MDD (your name) and print your work on A4.

Submit the printouts for Results.docx, final excel sheet on A4, and soft copies of the
work done.
 SECTION B (50 marks)
Answer any two questions from this section.

Question 3: Database Management System

In this question you will design and create a database using the following information.
A community library has been opened in your area to promote the reading culture among
school going children. After one week of operation, the librarian realised that a number of
children share the same names and borrowed the same title of books. As a result, the
librarian is not able to track books borrowed. Part of the information on borrowed books is
shown in the table below.
First Last DOB Gende Book Title Author Date Return
Name Nam r borrowed date
e
Apio Susa 12/9/200 F Introductio Patel D 20/7/2021 4/8/2021
n 4 n to French
Book 2
Apio Susa 12/9/200 F Vegetable Dhawal S 22/5/2021 6/6/2021
n 4 Growing
Apio Susa 12/9/200 F Introductio Patel D 18/9/2021 2/10/202
n 4 n to French 1
Mbain Mose 8/8/2005 M Introductio Patel D 10/4/2021 24/4/202
e s n to French 1
Mbain Mose 13/6/200 M Vegetable Dhawal S 20/11/202 4/12/202
e s 3 Growing 1 1

i) Design and create a suitable database that will allow a single student to borrow
more than one book at a time. Your database should also have a provision for:
a. STATUS attribute for the librarian that will hold that data “RETURNED” or
“NOT RETURNED”.
b. accept letters F or M for gender.
ii) Help them to create an interface in the program that can be used to enter more data.
iii) Generate a report that shows only the First Name, Last Name, Age in years, Book
title, Author and Status.
iv) Students born after 2005 are not supposed to vote. Generate a report of those who
were supposed to participate in voting.
v) Print all reports generated.
Question 4: Presentation
You are going to create a presentation on learners’ evaluation of ICT based on information
in the support file PRESDOC.DOCX. All slides of your presentation should have a consistent
look (layout and formatting). The slides must display a title and bulleted list unless
otherwise stated.
i) Create a presentation of 6 slides using the file PRESDOC.DOCX
ii) Format slide 1 so that
a. its layout is for a title slide.
b. both the title and sub title are centred on the same slide
c. Your name appears after the text prepared by:
iii) Format the entire presentation so that the following features appear on all slides to
give the presentation a consistent look.
a. have a company logo saved as NCDC LOGO.PNG
b. your name, random number and index number
c. automatic slide number and date in the footer.
iv) Create a bar chart using data provided in the file DURATION.CSV
v) Format the chart with
a. appropriate labels for the horizontal axis and vertical axes.
b. chart title.
c. place the chart at an appropriate slide in the presentation.
vi) Insert a new slide between slide 4 and slide 5. Insert a column graph based on the
data below.

Level of Year of Assessment

proficiency in ICT 2019 2020 2021
Excellent 14 56 70
Very good 36 54 65
Basic 35 43 20

vii)Comment on the level of proficiency in ICT over the period 2019 to 2021 on the
same slide.
viii) Apply uniform animations and transitions in your presentation.
ix) Print a copy of your presentation showing 4 slides on each page.

Question 5: Web designing/Desktop Publication

In this question, you will design a website with four pages.
Healing hospital located on Plot 23 Kampala Road has approached you to design a website
for them. The hospital management wants a four-page website which will market its
services to the outside world. The hospital address is P.O Box 3454 Kampala, email is
[email protected], Facebook page is www.facebook.com/healinghospital,
Telephone number is +256707665582.
 i. Using the support content in support folder, design their website showing the staff
page, how to contact them and the services they offer.
ii. A well designed banner should appear on the four pages
iii. The website should have well hyperlinked navigation buttons to take the visitor
back and forth.
iv. The links i.e. hospital email address and the Facebook address should be well
actively linked.
v. The telephone number for the hospital should keep moving from one side to
another.
vi. Save your website as Healing hospital website and print the pages.

END
Information and Communication Technology
Paper 2
Sample examination
1
2 Hours
2

UGANDA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS BOARD

Uganda Certificate of Lower Secondary Education
Information and Communication Technology
Paper Two (Practical)
2 hours 30 minutes

Proposed Marking Guide

Section A
Marking Guide for Question 1: Word Processing
SKILL BEING TESTED SCORE
Ability to load the .txt file into a word processing software 1
Setting the page size to A4 1
Set page orientation to landscape 1
Setting the page to three columns 1
Adjusting columns to have a gap of 4mm 2
Changing font style to Times New Roman 1
Changing line spacing to 1.5 1
Text fully justified 1
Font size changed to 11 points 1
Inserting an image 1
Wrapping text to the right of the image 1
Inserting a section at end of page 1 (at the right place) 1
Changing the first page back to one column 1
Typing text “Tree Planting protects the Environment” in the right 1
place
Formatting the text to 70 points, centre aligned 1
Inserting a double underline 1
Inserting the words “edited by << students name>>, right aligned 1
Locating the text “sustainable plantations” and “Forests are our 2
 jewels” and changing them to look different
Formatting the words “sustainable plantations” and “Forests are 1
our jewels” as headings.
Creating a Footnote on the name 1
Placing automated page numbers 1
Inserting a visible page border 1
Evidence of a printed copy of the work 1
TOTAL 5

Marking Guide for Question2: Spreadsheets

SKILL BEING TESTED SCORE
Ability to load data into a spreadsheet application 1
Name and Index number in the header 1
Formula used to determine total score 1
Correct total score filled for all students 1
Formula used to determine average score 1
Correct average score filled for all students 1
Rank function used correctly 1
Rank function used to get positions for whole class 1
Screenshot showing totals, average and position pasted in the word 1
document
Screenshot showing formulae used 1
Use of the any of the following functions, If Function, HLookup or 2
Vlookup correctly
Creating a column graph with the right values (Average scores) 2
Formatting the chart with appropriate chart title 1
Formatting the chart with data labels 1
Formatting the chart with label for horizontal axis 1
Formatting the chart with label for vertical axis 1
Table of scores displayed below the graph 1
Modal mark is stated and correct (1 for formula and 1 for correct 2
mark)
Soft copies submitted 1
Excel sheet printed 1
Excel sheet fits on A4 (scaling the document) 1
Results.docx document printed 1
TOTAL 25

Section B
Marking Guide for Question 3: Database Management Systems
SKILL BEING TESTED/ Maximum mark) Attribute SCORE
Designing an appropriate database (8 marks)
A relational database with two tables, each Two tables each with 4
record having a unique primary key, correct use appropriate attributes
of Foreign Key
Use of Primary keys in 2
each table
Proper use of a foreign 2
key in the books table
Application of knowledge on data types (2 Data types well used 2
marks) in the designed table
Data types not well 1
used but database can
work

Inserting given data into the database (3Marks) All data correctly 3
inserted into database
Data inserted with 1
errors
Data not inserted 0
Having a status attribute in the database (2 Status column with the 2
marks) appropriate data type
Status column with 1
inappropriate data
type
Data validation on the Gender attribute(2 Validation rule well 2
marks) used
Interface for data entry (4 marks) Form for entering 2
student data
Form for entering 2
books data

Report Report shows data 3

from the two tables
Report shows data 1
from only one form
Date calculations (1 mark) Report shows that age 1
of the student by use
of date calculation
formula
Generating the voters register (1 mark) Voters register 1
generated

Printing (2 marks) Print out for each of

the report
TOTAL 0
Question 4: Marking Guide for Presentation
SKILL BEING TESTED SCORE
Ability to load content from an external document 2
Changing layout of slide 1 to title slide 1
Centre align text on title slide 1
Adding text to a presentation 1
Giving the entire presentation a consistent look
- Evidence of using the master slide 2
- Consistent background achieved 1
- Consistent appearance of a logo on all slides achieved 1
- Consistent appearance of name of creator 1
- Adding appearance of a random number 1
- Appearance of an index number on all slides 1
- Appearance of automatic slide number on all slides 1
- Appearance of automatic date on all slides 1
Creating a bar chart based on information given 1
- Chart formatting with chart title 1
- Horizontal and vertical labels 2
- Placing the chart on the right slide to co-exist with the text 1
Ability to insert a new slide at the right position 1
Creating the right chart from the information given 1
Appropriate comment about the chart produced 1
Appropriate animations across the presentation 1
Evidence of slide transitions 1
Slides printed showing 4 slides on every page 1
TOTAL 20
Marking Guide for Question 5: Web design/Desktop publication
SKILL BEING TESTED SCORE
Creating four web pages 4
Creativity on the choice of content to use 2
Different designs used 2
Creation of navigation buttons 2
Hyperlinks in the navigations button 3
Use of images on different pages 2
Creation of a uniform banner 2
Hyperlinking email address and url i.e. Facebook 2
Insertion of the marquee 2
The contrast of the text with the background 2
Saving and printing 2
TOTAL 25

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