When getting first grade is impossible

Jan 20, 2009

Last week, Uganda National Examinations Board released the 2008 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) results, with a sharp decline in performance.

By Frederick Womakuyu

Last week, Uganda National Examinations Board released the 2008 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) results, with a sharp decline in performance.

Kawolo Church of Uganda Primary School in Mukono district, best represents a school’s struggle to register a single first grade.

Moses Mubiru, the former headmaster says they last had a first grade eight years ago. “The standards keep on deteriorating further. In 2000, we had two first grades. Even then, it was after some years.”

While the introduction of universal education (UPE) helped to send the unprivileged children to school, the move swelled the numbers of pupils, school budgets and standards.

Mathew Bukenya, the UNEB chief, attributes the poor performance to: teachers and learner absenteeism, late reporting to school and early departure from school. He added that many teachers teach learners using past papers, instead of developing concepts.

The Government gives UPE schools a capitation grant of sh6, 000 a year for each child enrolled. This grant is supposed to cover all teaching materials.

Albert Byamugisha, the Assistant Commissioner for Planning in the ministry of education says:“Through the schools facilitation grant more schools are being built. We are also working with private schools to accommodate some of the UPE pupils,” he said.

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