Deputy IGG hails education ministry for curriculum reforms
"For us who went through the old UNEB curriculum, it was about cramming, which is not the case today, where students are fully prepared to think and analyse issues," Okiria said.
The deputy Inspector General of Government, Patricia Okiria and her son Joel Okiria, who was among those who excelled in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Cambridge examination results for the May/June 2025 cohort, were released on Tuesday at Vienna College Namugongo in Wakiso district. (Credit: Samuel Balagadde)
By Samuel Balagadde
Journalists @New Vision
WAKISO - The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Patricia Okiria, has hailed the education ministry and the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) for the current reforms in the national curriculum.
Speaking during the release of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Cambridge examination results for the May/June 2025 cohort at Vienna College Namugongo in Wakiso district, Okiria said just like the Cambridge curriculum, some aspects of the national curriculum have been improved to prepare learners for self-reliance.
"The current UNEB and Cambridge curricula aim at preparing students for self-sustenance," Achan said.
She said both curricula emphasise critical thinking and practical skills.
"For us who went through the old UNEB curriculum, it was about cramming, which is not the case today, where students are fully prepared to think and analyse issues," Okiria said.
Mohammed Kakiika (left), the Vienna College Namugongo headteacher having a photo moment with parents and their child, one of those that excelled in recently released Cambridge exams. (Credit: Samuel Balagadde)
While the UNEB and Cambridge curricula have distinct focuses, they share some underlying similarities.
Both systems, in their latest iterations, are moving away from rote memorisation to emphasise deeper understanding and application of knowledge.
Okiria, however, cautioned parents against imposed courses on learners.
"Parents should desist from imposing courses of their choice on their children. Much as I am a lawyer, it is not incumbent upon my children to be lawyers," she said.
The head of policy and strategic studies at the National Defence College (NDC), Brig. Gen. Dr. Stephen Kusasira said both the current UNEB curriculum and that of Cambridge are aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the current global unemployment challenges.
Mohammed Kakiika, the Vienna College headteacher, said female students have continued to excel in the examinations, especially in science subjects.
"General performance of students in the just-released Cambridge examination has been generally good. All the 145 students who sat for the examinations passed," Kakiika said.
He attributed the good performance to collaboration between parents, teachers and students.
Bernard Magulu, a parent to one of the students who excelled, hailed the school for the students’ good performance.