total of 64,251 candidates have failed the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and are not eligible for admission to the Senior One class. However, the results also show an overall improvement in performance, with 722,730 candidates passing the exams, marking a significant increase from the 648,662 who passed in 2023.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) released the results on Thursday, highlighting that a total of 84,301 candidates achieved Division 1, representing 10.7% of all students who sat for the exams. Division 2 saw the highest number of candidates with 397,589, followed by 165,284 in Division 3, and 75,556 in Division 4.
Overall, 91.8% of candidates passed the 2024 exams, a notable improvement over last year’s 88%. While there was a slight decline in the number of students securing Division 1 compared to 2023.
The performance of candidates at the higher divisions, particularly Division 2 and above, has improved.
The results also revealed a gender disparity, with male candidates outperforming their female counterparts and recording a lower failure rate.
However, the number of female candidates in Division 2 and lower divisions was higher, reflecting the larger number of girls who sat the exams this year.
Among special cases, the results from Luzira Upper Prison School showed that 51 candidates sat the exam, with 4 achieving Division 1, 36 in Division 2, 13 in Division 3, and 6 in Division 4.
No candidates from the school were ungraded, though 12 inmates did not sit for the exam. Similarly, at Mbarara Main Prison Inmates Primary School, all candidates were male, and 4 achieved Division
1, while 20 were placed in Division 2, 10 in Division 3, and 3 in Division 4.
The improved performance overall signals progress in education despite challenges, and the results also emphasise the need to focus on sustaining and enhancing quality education for all students across the country.
According to the final statement as released to the media by the Hon. Janet K. Museveni and first lady as well as minister of Education and sports the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) officially released the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) results under the theme “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment.”
The ceremony was graced by the Honorable Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, also the First Lady who applauded UNEB for successfully managing the examination process.
A total of 797,444 candidates from 14,883 centres registered, reflecting a 6.4% increase compared to 2023’s 749,347.
The majority, 524,025 candidates (65.7%), were beneficiaries of Universal Primary Education (UPE), while 273,419 candidates (34.3%) were non-UPE.
Girls outnumbered boys, with 418,750 girls (52.5%) completing the primary cycle compared to 378,709 boys (47.5%).
Special Groups 3,328 learners with special needs (SNE) participated, an increase of 25.5% over 2023, demonstrating UNEB’s commitment to inclusivity.
71 inmates from Luzira and Mbarara prisons sat for the examinations, with notable success.
Performance Insights 91.8% of candidates passed, an improvement from 2023’s 88%.
More than half of the candidates, 50.5%, attained Division 2, while 10.7% scored Division 1.
Girls excelled in English, while boys outperformed in Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies.
The highest-performing candidates were primarily from urban centres.
Candidates struggled with practical and applied concepts, especially in Mathematics, Integrated Science, and writing structured compositions in English.
Malpractice Clampdown UNEB reported minimal malpractice. However, 68 suspects were arrested for offenses like assisting candidates during exams, with 12 convictions already secured.
Results from affected centres are withheld pending investigations. Results are available via UNEB’s online portal and SMS by sending “PLE [Index Number]” to 6600 on MTN and Airtel.
Hard copies will be accessible at UNEB offices from January 27, 2025.
UNEB Executive Director, Dan N. Odongo, reiterated the Board’s commitment to continuous improvement in assessment practices and security measures.
He extended gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Parliament, and various stakeholders for their unwavering support.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s education sector, reflecting strides in inclusivity, performance, and examination integrity.
