New Lower Secondary School Results Released: A Milestone for Uganda’s Education System
On February 11, 2025, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) unveiled the much-anticipated 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results, marking a historic moment as the first cohort of students under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC) received their grades. Held at State House Nakasero and presided over by First Lady and Education Minister Janet Museveni, the release showcased a dual set of results—those of the NLSC pioneers and the last group examined under the old curriculum. This event signaled a transformative shift in Uganda’s education system, blending innovation with tradition.
A Tale of Two Curricula
The 2024 UCE results reflected a unique transition year. According to Daily Monitor, 8,113 candidates who sat for the exams under the old curriculum were promoted to Senior Five, concluding an era of content-based learning. Meanwhile, the majority—361,695 candidates—were assessed under the revised NLSC, a competency-based approach designed to equip students with practical skills for the 21st century. UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo highlighted the smooth execution of the exams, conducted under the theme “Integrity and Security in the Management of Examinations for Human Capital Development,” despite logistical challenges posed by this dual framework.
Stellar Performance Under the New System
The results under the NLSC were nothing short of impressive. Daily Monitor reported that 98 percent of candidates—354,897 out of 361,695—qualified for post-UCE education, a testament to the curriculum’s effectiveness. This high pass rate, graded using a new letter-based system (A to E) rather than the traditional stanine scale (1 to 9), reflects a focus on proficiency rather than rote memorization. Odongo noted a significant improvement in English Language and Biology, though declines were observed in History and Agriculture—insights that will guide future refinements.
Education Minister Janet Museveni praised the achievement, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of teachers, parents, and students adapting to the revised curriculum. “This success shows that our education system is moving in the right direction, preparing students not just to pass exams but to thrive in a dynamic world,” she said during the release.
Decoding the New Grading System
A key talking point of the 2024 results was the introduction of the NLSC’s grading framework, detailed by Daily Monitor. Unlike the old system’s distinctions, credits, and passes, the new structure awards letter grades based on competency levels:
- A: Mastery of skills and knowledge.
- B: High competence.
- C: Moderate competence.
- D: Basic competence.
- E: Minimum competence required to proceed.
Senior Five selection now hinges on these grades, with a minimum of two Cs or one C and two Ds required for advancement—a shift that has sparked both excitement and questions among stakeholders. UNEB Chairperson Professor Celestino Obua emphasized that this system aligns with global standards, ensuring Ugandan students are competitive beyond borders. However, some educators have called for more clarity on how these grades translate to subject-specific performance, a concern UNEB has promised to address through ongoing sensitization.
Subject-by-Subject Highlights
The Daily Monitor’s subject performance breakdown revealed standout schools and trends. In English Language, schools like St. Mary’s College Kisubi and Gayaza High School topped the charts, reflecting strong language instruction. Biology saw similar excellence from institutions like Ntare School, underscoring the NLSC’s emphasis on science competencies. Conversely, subjects like History and Agriculture lagged, with fewer schools achieving top grades, prompting calls for enhanced teaching resources in these areas. This data offers a roadmap for schools to refine their approaches as the NLSC matures.
Bridging the Past and Future
For the 8,113 candidates under the old curriculum, the results marked the end of a chapter. With a 95.9 percent pass rate (329,939 candidates qualifying for post-UCE levels), their performance remained robust, though it paled slightly compared to the NLSC’s 98 percent. This gap underscores the new curriculum’s promise, though Odongo cautioned against direct comparisons due to differing assessment philosophies. The transitional candidates’ promotion to Senior Five ensures continuity, while the NLSC cohort embarks on a path shaped by practical skills and innovation.
Looking Ahead
The release of the 2024 UCE results is more than a statistical milestone—it’s a signal of Uganda’s educational evolution. With 80,643 candidates meeting university admission criteria (two principal passes), up from 67,815 in 2022, the NLSC is already widening access to higher education. Yet, challenges remain, from ensuring rural schools have the resources to implement the curriculum to addressing subject disparities. As Museveni urged stakeholders to embrace this change, the consensus is clear: the new lower secondary system is here to stay, paving the way for a generation ready to turn ambitions into achievements.
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