Experts have addressed the concerning trend of boys dropping out of school before completing primary education, attributing it to factors like child labor and preferential treatment of girls. Filbert Baguma, the general secretary of the Uganda National Teachers Union, highlighted child labor as a significant reason for this issue.
Despite an increase in O-Level candidates excelling in Mathematics and Biology, there has been a decline in performance in essential science subjects like Agriculture and Physics. The 2023 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results from the Uganda National Examination Board (Uneb) revealed that while Mathematics ranked third among subjects with many candidates receiving distinctions, science subjects have consistently underperformed compared to arts subjects.
Uneb Executive Director Dan Odongo expressed concern over the performance in science subjects, with less than 20 percent of candidates obtaining Credit pass levels in Physics and Chemistry, and a significant portion unable to pass. However, there has been an improvement in Biology, with a notable increase in candidates receiving distinctions.
Vincent Elong, chairperson of the Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU), attributed the improvement in science subject performance to increased teacher motivation. However, challenges such as inadequate teaching, lack of practical teaching, and examination malpractice persist, hindering progress in science education.
Despite efforts to address these issues, the decline in candidates receiving distinctions in Physics and Agriculture underscores the need for continued investment in science education and teacher training.
