The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the results of the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination, with girls performing exceptionally well in English Language and Art and Design.
According to UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo, female candidates demonstrated higher achievement levels in these subjects compared to their male counterparts.
“In English Language and Art and Design, girls performed exceptionally well, with a higher proportion of them achieving exceptional and outstanding levels,” Odongo said.
The results also showed that girls performed well in Christian Religious Education (CRE), with a significant number of them achieving high grades.
However, the results also highlighted challenges in key science subjects, with a significant number of students achieving below the basic level in Physics, followed by Chemistry and Biology.
Odongo noted that the results showed a need for more emphasis on critical thinking and practical application, particularly in sciences.
“The results suggest that while progress is being made under the new curriculum, more emphasis is needed on critical thinking and practical application, particularly in sciences,” Odongo said.
The UCE examination is the first to be held under the new competency-based curriculum, which was introduced in 2020.
The new curriculum places a strong emphasis on developing skills, competencies, and attitudes that are essential for success in the 21st century.
Key Highlights:
- Girls Excel in English and Art: Girls performed exceptionally well in English Language and Art and Design.
- Challenges in Science Subjects: Students struggled with science practical assessments, particularly in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Need for Critical Thinking: The results highlight the need for more emphasis on critical thinking and practical application, particularly in sciences.
- New Curriculum: The UCE examination is the first to be held under the new competency-based curriculum.
2024 UCE Candidate Registration Summary
A total of 359,417 candidates registered for the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination, marking the first cohort under the new competency-based curriculum.
Breakdown of Candidates:
- Gender:
Male: 177,133 (49.3%)
Female: 182,284 (50.7%)
– USE vs Non-USE:
USE beneficiaries: 136,785 (38.1%)
Non USE 222,632 (61.9%)
Exam Attendance:
357,120 (99.4%) sat for exams,
2,297 (0.6%) absent
The absenteeism rate continues to decline, with only 0.6% of candidates absent from the examination.
