FROM THE EDITOR

The introduction of the SMS platform as a way of accessing examination results has been received with mixed feelings. A number of head teachers especially from private schools are complaining of students who exploit the new system to delay payment of school dues.

Head teachers need to appreciate that the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) is a different entity and schools should not use exam results as a fees collection weapon.

It should be noted that there is more to examination results than just grades. Although it is provided by UNEB, the SMS result platform is not an official document that candidates can use to seek admission.

Accessing results electronically does not mean scrapping the time-tested manual method. Schools still retain the power of documentation. This means secondary schools will need to insist on official testimonial from a student before admission.

The challenges posed by SMS method provide an opportunity for schools to devise other creative means of fee collection beyond using results as bait. In spite of the challenges, the SMS platform is a revolutionary reform in Uganda’s national examination. A significant innovation of this nature should be followed by an analysis of results in the media. UNEB should borrow a leaf from Kenya where the analysis of results is published in the media.