In a move to safeguard students’ privacy and emotional well-being, Uganda’s Education Minister, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has banned schools from publicly displaying the names and grades of learners who sat for the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations.
Speaking at the release of the 2024 UCE results, Minister Museveni emphasized the harmful effects of publicly sharing learners’ personal data, including their names, photographs, and grades.
“Publicly displaying learners’ results exposes them to harassment, stigma, and emotional distress,” she stated. “The Data Protection and Privacy Act prohibits the publication of personal data of children, and as a ministry, we must ensure compliance.”
This directive marks a significant shift in how examination results are shared, prioritizing the privacy and dignity of students.
New Guidelines for Sharing UCE Results
To comply with the minister’s directive, schools have been instructed to adopt alternative methods for sharing examination outcomes. These include:
- Secure Online Platforms: Schools can use password-protected portals or digital platforms to share results with individual students and their parents.
- Private Communication: Results can be shared directly with learners and their guardians, ensuring confidentiality.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and other examination agencies have been tasked with advising schools on implementing these new guidelines effectively.
Senior Five Selection Exercise: Key Dates and Details
In addition to the ban on public result displays, Minister Museveni announced important updates regarding the Senior Five selection exercise:
- Dates: The selection exercise will take place on February 20-21, 2025.
- Process: Students will be placed in secondary schools based on their UCE performance, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
- Reporting Date: Senior Five students are expected to report to their new schools on Monday, March 3, 2025.
The selection exercise is a critical milestone for students transitioning from O-Level to A-Level education. Minister Museveni urged all stakeholders—parents, teachers, and students—to cooperate to ensure a smooth and successful process.
Why Though?
The ban on publicly displaying UCE results is more than just a policy change—it’s a step toward creating a safer, more supportive environment for students. Here’s why it’s significant:
1. Protecting Privacy: Publicly sharing results can lead to embarrassment, bullying, and mental health challenges for students. This directive ensures their personal data is handled with care.
2. Compliance with the Law: The Data Protection and Privacy Act mandates the protection of children’s personal information. This move aligns Uganda’s education system with legal requirements.
3. Promoting Dignity: By prioritizing privacy, the ministry is fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all learners.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the directive is a positive step, its implementation may pose challenges for schools accustomed to traditional methods of sharing results.
However, it also presents an opportunity to embrace technology and innovation in education.
Schools will need to invest in secure digital platforms and train staff to handle results confidentially. Parents and students, on the other hand, will need to adapt to accessing results through new channels.
A Win for Student Welfare
Minister Janet Museveni’s directive is a timely reminder that education is not just about academic achievement—it’s also about nurturing the well-being of learners.
By banning the public display of UCE results, Uganda is taking a bold step toward creating a more inclusive and compassionate education system.
What are your thoughts on this new policy? Share your perspective in the comments below!
