In a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, at Nakasero State Lodge, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) released the eagerly awaited results of the 2023 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) today.
According to Mr. Dan Nokrach Odongo, the UNEB Executive Director, a total of 749,254 candidates from 15,859 centers (schools) registered for PLE in 2023, marking a decline from the 832,654 candidates recorded in 2022. Among these, 501,602 (66.9%) were Universal Primary Education (UPE) beneficiaries, while 247,652 (33.1%) were Non-UPE candidates.
Mr. Odongo highlighted that a higher proportion of candidates in 2023 passed at the Division 3 level and above.
He noted, "Overall, the performance of candidates is comparable to that of 2022. Division U (Ungraded) is awarded to candidates who have failed to reach the minimum level of performance that can be awarded at least a Division 4. They are not eligible for admission to the Senior 1 class."
Expressing concern over the high number of candidates in Division U, Mr. Odongo revealed that 88,269 candidates (10.4%) fell into this category. He emphasized the need to address the issue to prevent these candidates from becoming mere statistics of school dropouts. Districts such as Kibuku (31.5%), Madi Okollo (31.5%), Dokolo (28.9%), Kween (28.4%), and Namisindwa (28.9%) reported percentages well above the national average, prompting a call for further investigation into the root causes.
In an interesting aspect of the results, UNEB maintained an examination center at Uganda Government Upper Prison School, Luzira, allowing 69 prison inmates to participate in the exams— one more candidate compared to the previous year. Out of the 60 candidates who sat for the examination, 2 achieved Division 1, 32 secured Division 2, 15 obtained Division 3, 5 received Division 4, while 6 were ungraded. Nine candidates did not sit for the examination.
The 2023 PLE results highlight both successes and challenges in the education system, urging authorities to address the concerns raised and ensure a brighter future for all students.
