The release of the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results has sparked widespread confusion among parents, students, and teachers, as many struggle to interpret the new curriculum grading system.
Social media platforms are flooded with posts of results, with a common question emerging: Did my child, cousin, or sibling pass?
Unlike previous years, where students and schools celebrated with certainty, this year’s mood is more subdued.
Parents and students stare at result slips, trying to make sense of the new grading system, while teachers are bombarded with questions that they are not fully prepared to answer.
“I was wondering what result 1 meant when I saw the results,” one James Ojiemo said on X.
Ronald Sax said, “It took me the entire day just trying to understand this new gradings.”
The new competency based curriculum, introduced by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), grades candidates differently from the traditional system.
According to UNEB, a candidate qualifies for a UCE certificate if they obtain a competency level grade of at least D in any subject.
However, the absence of familiar aggregates and distinctions has left many uncertain about their children’s academic fate.
The grades are represented in form of letters A, B, C, D, or E which describe exactly how each candidate performed in each subject in terms of competency level.
A = Exceptional – Demonstrates extraordinary competency by applying knowledge and skills innovatively and creatively in real-life situations.
B = Outstanding – Demonstrates a high level of competency by effectively applying acquired knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
C = Satisfactory – Demonstrates an adequate level of competency in applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
D = Basic – Demonstrates a minimum level of competency in applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
E = Elementary – Demonstrates below the basic level of competency in applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
Grading
This grading by use of letters was determined by combining continuous assessment which accounts for 20% and end of year assessment( UNEB exams) which account for 80%.
According to UNEB, a candidate qualifies a certificate if they obtain at least a grade D in one subject.
If a child has scored A or B in a subject, they are competent to take it at A-Level.
If they scored C or D and still wish to take that subject, they can do it but they will require extra guidance and support.
‘Result 2 and 3’
According to UNEB, Result 2 and 3 mean the learner doesn’t qualify for a certificate but can still obtain a transcript.
