The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results, and the numbers tell a compelling story.
Out of 10,141 registered candidates, 9,742 sat for the exams, with an impressive 98.05% qualifying for the UCE certificate.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenges posed by Uganda’s dual curriculum system, which saw students transitioning between the old and new Lower Secondary Curriculum.
Dan Odongo, UNEB’s Executive Director, highlighted the resilience of both students and educators in navigating this complex academic year.
But beyond the headline figures, the results reveal critical insights into performance trends, gender disparities, and the evolving landscape of Uganda’s education system.
Key Highlights from the 2024 UCE Results
1. Overall Pass Rate
- Division 1: 0.8% (80 candidates)
- Division 2: 5.2% (503 candidates)
- Division 3: 17.6% (1,710 candidates)
- Division 4: 59.7% (5,820 candidates)
- Ungraded: 16.7% (1,629 candidates)
The majority of candidates secured a passing grade, with Division 4 accounting for the largest share.
2. Gender Performance Trends
- Female candidates outperformed males in English Language, Christian Religious Education, and Art & Design.
- Male candidates excelled in History, Political Education, Geography, Mathematics, Agriculture, Chemistry, and Biology.
These trends underscore the need for targeted interventions to address gender gaps in STEM subjects.
3. Subject-Specific Performance
- Top Performers: Art & Design (13.0% scored grade A), History & Political Education (6.4% scored grade A), and Agriculture (4.7% scored grade A).
- Challenging Subjects: Physics (12.8% failed to meet minimum competency), Chemistry (6.1% failed), and English Language (3.6% below expected standards).
The Dual Curriculum Challenge
2024 marked a pivotal year for Uganda’s education system, with students sitting for the UCE under both the old and new Lower Secondary Curriculum.
Managing two distinct examination systems simultaneously was no small feat, and UNEB’s ability to deliver credible results is a testament to its adaptability.
However, the transition also highlighted areas for improvement.
For instance, the disparity in performance between subjects under the new curriculum and those under the old system suggests that more support is needed to ensure a seamless shift.
How to Access 2024 UCE Results
Candidates, parents, and well-wishers can retrieve the results via SMS by sending a message to 6600. Here’s how:
- Transitional Curriculum Candidates: Type “UCE [space] [Index Number ending with ‘T’]” (e.g., UCE U0000/001T).
- New Curriculum Candidates: Type “UCE [space] [Standard Index Number]” (e.g., UCE U0000/001).
This simple, accessible method ensures that results are just a text message away.
What’s Next for Uganda’s Education System?
The 2024 UCE results are more than just a report card—they’re a roadmap for the future. Here are three key takeaways:
1. Addressing Gender Disparities: Targeted initiatives are needed to encourage female participation and performance in STEM subjects.
2. Supporting the Dual Curriculum Transition: Continued investment in teacher training and resource allocation will be critical for the new curriculum’s success.
3. Improving Subject Performance: Strengthening foundational skills in challenging subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and English will ensure better outcomes for future cohorts.
Celebrating Progress, Acknowledging Challenges
The 2024 UCE results are a cause for celebration, but they also remind us of the work that lies ahead.
As Uganda’s education system continues to evolve, stakeholders must collaborate to address gaps, celebrate successes, and build a brighter future for the next generation.
What are your thoughts on the 2024 UCE results? Share your perspective in the comments below!
