The Education Ministry of Uganda finds itself in a complex situation as the era of the old curriculum draws to a close. Amidst concerns and debates, plans are being formulated to accommodate learners who have undergone education under the previous system.
A document presented to Parliament outlines a proposal to grant learners who sat the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) under the old curriculum a one-time opportunity to sit for the exam, enabling them to proceed to A-level. This provision extends to those who registered but were unable to take the exam for various reasons.
However, this proposal has sparked debate among Members of Parliament (MPs), with many questioning the adequacy of a one-time chance. The issue was raised during discussions on the Ministry’s strategy for transitioning from lower secondary to upper secondary education under the new competence-based curriculum.
Concerns had initially been raised in 2020 when the new curriculum was introduced, highlighting the lack of clarity regarding the fate of students who might not pass the final examination. The Ministry’s response at the time was deemed insufficient, leading to heightened scrutiny as the last cohort of students completed their UCE examinations in 2023.
The State Minister in Charge of Primary Education, Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaduccu, presented the transition plan to Parliament, emphasizing the administration of a one-time examination by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) to cater to affected candidates. This includes those who wish to improve their grades and those who missed registration or the examination itself.
However, MPs expressed concerns about the adequacy of this measure, suggesting a need for a more continuous approach. Additionally, questions arose about the status of the new curriculum for upper secondary education, with revelations that its development is not yet complete.
The Minister assured Parliament of ongoing efforts to review and implement the upper secondary competence-based curriculum, although challenges remain. The lack of clarity regarding the structure of A-level education under the new curriculum further complicates the situation.
The Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the curriculum review, highlighting the need for comprehensive information and stakeholder engagement. MPs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of thorough debate and discussion to address emerging issues effectively.
