A total of 648,662 candidates achieved success in the 2023 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), held on November 8 and November 9. The Minister of Education, Janet Museveni, received the results from UNEB Chairperson, Prof Celestino Obua at State Lodge Nakasero on January 25, 2024.
The results breakdown is as follows:
- Division 1: 86,582 candidates (11.8%)
- Division 2: 336,507 candidates
- Division 3: 156,290 candidates
- Division 4: 69,283 candidates
However, 88,269 candidates failed, and 12,323 did not sit for the exams. The performance, according to UNEB, is comparable to that of 2022. Notably, 10.4% of candidates fell into Division U (Ungraded), prompting concerns about potential school dropouts.
Table: Performance by Gender in First Division
| Gender | Division 1 | Division 2 | Division 3 | Division 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boys | 47,452 | 164,906 | – | – |
| Girls | 39,130 | 171,601 | 156,290 | 69,283 |
In the breakdown by gender, boys outperformed girls in Division 1, while girls excelled in Divisions 2, 3, and 4. The number of candidates in Division U is a concern, with 10.4% falling into this category.
UNEB identified districts with high failure rates, including Kibuku, Madi Okollo, Dokolo, Kween, and Namisindwa, urging a thorough investigation into the causes.
Table: Best Performed Subjects
| Subject | Distinction 2 (%) |
|---|---|
| Science | 9.8 |
| Social Studies | 9.4 |
| English | 7.8 |
| Mathematics | 5.3 |
Science and Social Studies were the top-performing subjects, contributing significantly to Distinction 2. Females outperformed males in English, while males performed better in Social Studies & Religious Education, Integrated Science, and Mathematics.
