Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results, marking a significant shift in the country’s education system.
The results reflect the first full implementation of the competency-based curriculum, replacing the traditional grading system with achievement levels categorized as A (Exceptional), B (Outstanding), C (Satisfactory), D (Basic), and E (Elementary).
A total of 10,141 candidates from 1,028 centres registered for the examination. Among them, 4,369 (43.1%) were males, and 5,373 (52.9%) were females, indicating a higher female representation.
A notable 813 candidates (8.0%) were beneficiaries of the Universal Secondary Education (USE) program, while the majority, 8,929 (88.0%), were from non-USE schools.
Despite the rigorous requirements of the new curriculum, 9,742 candidates (96.1%) successfully sat for the exams, while 399 students failed to appear.
The 2024 UCE examination results introduce a competency-based assessment, emphasizing practical skills over rote learning. Under this new system, students are evaluated based on their ability to apply knowledge innovatively.
According to Prof. Celestino Obua, UNEB Chairperson, the transition from the previous grading system (Divisions 1-9) to letter grades aims to simplify result interpretation for all stakeholders.
“The new transcript and certificate will reflect what a candidate can do rather than just what they have memorized,” he said.
The results show that 350,146 candidates (98.05%) who sat for the exams met the minimum requirements and qualified for the UCE certificate. These candidates will have “Result 1” indicated on their transcripts.
However, some candidates failed to meet the required competencies. Those who did not sit for compulsory subjects, registered for fewer than eight subjects, or lacked project work scores will have “Result 2” on their transcripts, signifying that they did not qualify for the UCE certificate.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo acknowledged the difficulties encountered in implementing the competency-based curriculum, particularly in rural schools.
“Many schools were resistant to the change, hoping that the government would revert to the old curriculum,” he revealed. “They were caught off guard when UNEB released sample papers, forcing them to adapt late in the process.”
A major challenge was inadequate science laboratories and a shortage of science teachers, which greatly impacted students’ performance in practical subjects. Schools lacking proper equipment struggled to give students hands-on experience, a critical requirement under the new system.
UNEB reported only 984 suspected cases, a dramatic drop from nearly 3,000 cases the previous year. The nature of competency-based questions made cheating difficult, as students were required to demonstrate understanding rather than memorize answers.
However, the majority of malpractice cases occurred in science practical exams, particularly in Physics, where 883 cases (93.1%) involved teachers providing candidates with experimental results instead of allowing them to conduct experiments themselves.
UNEB has vowed to take strict action against schools and teachers found guilty of such malpractice.
At the Uganda Government Upper Luzira Prisons School, 27 out of 28 candidates sat for the exams, and all qualified for the UCE certificate.
Similarly, at Mbarara Main Prison Inmates’ Secondary School, all 11 registered candidates sat for and passed the exams. These results highlight the effectiveness of rehabilitation through education.
The 2024 UCE results signify a historic moment in Uganda’s education sector. The successful rollout of the competency-based curriculum represents a major step toward producing graduates with practical skills applicable to real-life situations.
“Despite the challenges, this transition marks a milestone in Uganda’s education system,” Odongo emphasized. “We are building a generation of learners who can think critically, innovate, and solve problems rather than just recite information.”
With this new system, future UCE candidates will be better equipped for the demands of higher education and the job market. However, continued investment in teacher training, laboratory facilities, and school infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring its long-term success.
The release of the 2024 UCE results under the new curriculum is a game-changer for Uganda’s education system.
While there were initial hurdles, the overwhelming success of the competency-based approach shows promise for the future.
As UNEB and the Ministry of Education continue refining the system, the focus remains on fostering innovation, critical thinking, and skill-based learning for all students.
