UACE 2024: A 28% INCREASE IN ANDIDATURE
BY: Shiba Nakakande
There is an increase in the number of students offering science subjects, which is a contribution to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM trend 
the Education System is taking.
A total of 141,996 candidates registered for the 2024 UACE examination compared to 110,566 candidates in 2023; an increase of 31,4430 candidates (28.4%). This is a very significant increase in candidature compared to previous years.
Of these, 61,957 (43.6%) were females, and 80, 039 (56.4%) were males. Males also accounted for 53.1% (16,695) of the increased candidature. It is possible that as a result of the change in admission criteria for primary school teachers, those candidates who would have gone for Grade Three teacher training after the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) chose to pursue the UACE pathway. Centres for the UACE examination increased by 154 (7-3%6) from 2,101 in 2023 to 2,255 in 2024.
According to the Chairperson of UNEB, Prof. Celestino Obua, UNEB has planned a series of engagements with critical stakeholders to explain the grading system. This is after the public had queries about the grading system for the lower secondary curriculum UCE 2024.
The National Curriculum Development Centre NCDC is working with UNEB on the assessment framework to be used for the A-level Curriculum since the 2025 senior five students are the pioneer students of the Competency-Based Curriculum.
The state Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni appreciated UNEB for their diligent efforts as they delivered the third end-of-the-cycle examinations of nearly 1.3 learners is released on time.
“Evidence points to the fact that learners get interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education because it is often engaging and project-based, allowing them to tackle real-world problems, fostering critical thinking, and developing skills valuable for future careers and innovations.
In learner performance in sciences and mathematics, best practices in STEM education point us to the fact that the way sciences and mathematics are taught needs to change. This change starts with the teacher changing his or her attitude toward STEM and how it ought to be taught. In the recently released 2024 UCE examination results, you also saw how the performance in science subjects was generally good.” Said Mrs. Museveni.
She also recognizes the improvement in filling in PUJAB forms online, especially during this era of technology.
To the learner’s advancement in higher education at universities and higher institutions of learning, 48 private and 10 public universities are ready to enroll students who match their grades according to desired courses.