More than 1.3 million students have already enrolled for Uganda's end-of-cycle examinations across all four categories scheduled for this year, marking a notable increase from the previous academic cycle.
According to Ms. Jenipher Kalule, the spokesperson for the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb), a total of 793,489 candidates have registered for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), 369,373 for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) encompassing both the old and new curricula, and 139,788 for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
Comparatively, last year saw a total of 1,224,371 registrations, indicating a six percent rise in candidates this year, which Ms. Kalule described as a significant upturn compared to previous years. She noted that these figures exclude candidates from newly accredited examination centers, who have a separate registration deadline set for June 21.
Ms. Kalule attributed the increase in registrations to Uneb administering the final batch of UCE examinations under the old curriculum. As Uganda transitions to the new curriculum, Uneb has introduced a one-time transitional examination based on the old curriculum. This transitional exam will run concurrently with the regular UCE exams, offering a final opportunity for candidates eligible under the old curriculum to be assessed.
"This transitional exam is crucial for candidates under the old curriculum, particularly those aiming to avoid starting afresh or seeking eligibility for various political positions," Ms. Kalule explained.
She emphasized that this year's transitional examination marks the last opportunity for such candidates, as Uneb will not administer further UCE exams under the old curriculum in the future.
The transitional examination targets several groups, including candidates who previously sat for UCE and wish to improve their grades, those who registered but did not sit for exams in previous years, and adults aged 20 and above who missed the PLE and require special permission to participate.
Registration for the transitional examination closes on June 21, while registrations for other examinations concluded on May 31. Uneb has clarified that only Ugandan citizens are eligible for the transitional exam, requiring proof of age for adult candidates seeking permission from the executive director of Uneb to register.
As the educational landscape in Uganda shifts, Uneb aims to facilitate a smooth transition while accommodating candidates under both old and new curricula, ensuring equitable opportunities for assessment and advancement in education.
The overhaul of Uganda's new national curriculum, aimed to better align educational outcomes with the needs of the 21st century. This reform, implemented by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), reflects a shift towards competency-based education, prioritizing skills over rote memorization.
