UNEB through with marking PLE, 'O' and 'A' Level to be done soon

By Anthony Mugeere The report on the Teacher Development Management Systems (TDMS) review produced what many of us were expecting. The Development Consultants International and Incafex Consultants Limited said the project had created a remarkable impact and recommended its extension to all Primary Teacher Colleges (PTCs) in the country. The consultants noted that the TDMS benefits can no longer be withheld from teacher education institutions. Question is, will government raise the estimated sh1.2b required to extend the reform programmes to each non-core PTC? Although the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) might now be involved in approving the education qualifications of the presidential candidates, it is still pushing ahead with plans to mark the national exams. Reports last week indicated that the Board has completed marking the 2000 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The marking ended well before Christmas according to the UNEB Public Relations Officer, Eve Konde and the results are being processed. Meanwhile, the marking of the 'O' and 'A' level exams continues. The President has said that government is to establish four special schools for people with disabilities (PWDs) in each region. Museveni, while reacting to a complaint from Kasese district council representative for PWDs, Banjo Masereka, said that government had not done enough for them. He also re-affirmed his promise to increase salaries of civil servants. The ugly head of indiscipline in our schools again manifested itself during the week when some students of Sir Samuel Baker SS, Gulu were caught with their pants down. At least five of them were dismissed by the school's board of governors for committing offences ranging from theft to fighting. Others reportedly absconded from school, according to Mr. Mike Ocan, the headteacher. Things continue to get rosy for Enock Ssebanga, the 12-year-old boy who was starved for eight months by his parents. The latest is that he is set to begin school next month. Kefa Sempangi, chairman, the National Council for Children (NCC), said the boy will start P3 at either Kabojja Catholic Boarding Primary School in Nateete or Bakaluba Mukasa boarding primary school in Mukono. Ssebanga has already done the interviews at Kabojja, say the reports, and the sponsors are just awaiting the results. Ends.