By Apollo Mubiru 

Male candidates beat their female counterparts in all subjects, the just released 2011 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results show.

Female candidates performed best in English language and literature in English.

Education Minister Jessica Alupo Wednesday morning released the UCE results, indicating improved performance at all levels. Failure rate dropped from 6.5 percent to 4.2 percent.

Ategeka Emmaunel, aggregate 9 (centre) Ochom Huzaifa, aggregate 15 (right) of Royal Giant High celebrating UNEB results with Kisakye Charlotte (Left) there public Relations officer. Photo By Hajara Nalwadda.

A total of 273,157 candidates sat for Senior Four national examinations last year.

Of these, 107,977 were under the Universal Secondary Education.

A large number of candidates have obtained the UEC certificate, 254,220 against 241,456 in 2010.

“It is pleasant to note that the failure rate will has remained quite low despite the increase in candidates,” Uganda National Examinations Board, secretary Mathew Bukenya said.

East High School Ntinda best students. Each scored aggregate 9. Photo By Nicholas Oneal.

Unlike the previous years, candidates, who will have passed, will have a chance of enjoying free education in Senior Five.  

The education ministry has already selected 600 schools to roll out free A’ level education countrywide.

These schools, according to the ministry’s permanent secretary, Francis-Xavier Lubanga, will partly accommodate 63,575 students.

In total, 74,246 S4 leavers will in the next academic year have a chance to access free education in schools and other institutions.

 Apart from those in A’level, 5,665 more students will be admitted at government technical and vocational schools.

 
Isaac Ebele of St. Mary’s Kitende scored aggregate 10.  Photo by Juliet Lukwago