Uganda’s education authorities have released the results of the first cohort of students to sit for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination under the new competency-based curriculum.
The results show that 98.5% of candidates qualified for the UCE certificate, with female candidates performing slightly better than their male counterparts.
The new curriculum, which was introduced in 2020, focuses on developing skills, competencies, and attitudes that are essential for success in the 21st century.
It replaces the previous curriculum, which was criticized for prioritizing rote memorization over critical thinking and problem-solving.
“The competency-based curriculum is designed to assess the skills, competencies, and attitudes that students acquire throughout the learning process,” said Dan Odong, Executive Director of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
The new curriculum also places a strong emphasis on practical skills and competencies, as well as inclusivity and accessibility.
The results of the UCE examination are seen as a key indicator of the success of the new curriculum.
While it is still early days for the new curriculum, the initial results suggest that it has the potential to improve student outcomes and better prepare students for success in the 21st century.
There has been a very welcome reduction in cases of malpractice. There are 64 cases with a total of 984 candidates suspected, compared to nearly 3,000 suspected last year. The nature of the items in the papers do not lend themselves to malpractice.
However, the cases reported… pic.twitter.com/igVDAOe1kl
— Uganda National Examinations Board (@UNEB_UG) February 11, 2025
Analysis
The introduction of the new competency-based curriculum is a significant development in Uganda’s education sector.
The previous curriculum was widely criticized for its emphasis on rote memorization and lack of focus on practical skills and competencies.
The new curriculum is designed to address these shortcomings and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workforce.
However, the implementation of the new curriculum is not without its challenges.
Teachers and educators will need to adapt to the new curriculum and assessment methodology, which may require significant training and support.
Additionally, the new curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical skills and competencies, which may require significant investment in resources and infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, the initial results of the UCE examination suggest that the new curriculum has the potential to improve student outcomes and better prepare students for success in the 21st century.
