The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the official timetable for the 2024 national exams, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s educational history. For the first time, students sitting for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) will be assessed under a new lower secondary curriculum, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s academic landscape.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo, while addressing journalists, highlighted the importance of this transition. “This is a historic moment. These exams will be the first conducted under the new curriculum for the award of the UCE certificate,” Odongo remarked.
This year’s examination cycle will feature four distinct sets of exams, up from the usual three. In addition to the traditional Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), UCE candidates will sit for two different exams: one under the new curriculum and a special “transition examination.”
The transition exam is a one-off opportunity designed for students who took their UCE in 2023 but either failed or missed the exam for various reasons. “This is a one-time opportunity for those who may want to retake the exam under the old curriculum,” Odongo explained. “After this, the transition exam will be retired for good.”
The national candidate briefing for UCE candidates will commence on October 11, 2024, with the PLE briefing set for November 4, and UACE candidates attending their briefing on November 8, 2024.
This year’s exam season will unfold under the theme: “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment.” UNEB has emphasized the importance of strict security measures and stakeholder involvement in maintaining the integrity of the examination process. “We want to ensure that all candidates are assessed fairly and equally under similar conditions,” Odongo stressed.
More than just academic knowledge, UNEB’s new curriculum embraces a “holistic assessment” approach, focusing on students’ practical skills and attitudes. “We are moving beyond pen-and-paper exams to assess the complete learner—what they know, what they can do, and how they apply their knowledge in real life,” Odongo said, noting that this shift aligns with global educational trends.
In 2024, Uganda will also see a surge in candidate registration, with 1,320,400 students sitting for exams across the board—a 7.8% increase from last year. Among the UCE candidates, 379,620 are registered, including 10,143 who will sit for the transition exam. The growing numbers reflect increased access to education in the country, with female candidates making up 51.1% of the total registrants.
In addition to the new curriculum, UNEB is introducing several notable firsts in its examination process. For the first time, exams will be conducted in Uganda Sign Language, and listening and speaking skills will be tested in Latin and Arabic, both of which have gained popularity in Ugandan schools. Practical exams in subjects like physical education and foods and nutrition will continue, building on the success of previous years.
“As we speak, our visiting examiners are already in the field, assessing these subjects,” Odongo said, emphasizing UNEB’s commitment to holistic education. The 2024 examinations represent a new chapter in Uganda’s academic journey, one that balances traditional values with modern approaches to learning and assessment.
