Female candidates have outperformed their male counterparts in Uganda’s Advanced Level Examinations (UACE), according to a report from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
Daniel Odongo, the UNEB Executive Director says the 2023 UACE saw a total of 110,553 candidates registering, with 47,226 (42.7%) being females and 63,339 (57.3%) males. Despite the numerical difference, female candidates consistently performed better proportionally.
Professor Celestino Obua, UNEB Chairperson, highlighted the trend, noting that although fewer females sit for the exams, they achieve higher pass rates and demonstrate lower failure rates compared to males.
According to statistics from UNEB, 54% of girls, accounting for 25,352 candidates, passed with three principal passes, compared to 27,100 boys. Additionally, 11,883 girls obtained two principal passes, compared to 16,358 boys. Furthermore, 6,519 girls achieved one principal pass, compared to 12,105 boys. Finally, 12,919 girls scored one subsidiary pass, while 12,105 boys did the same. Only 237 girls failed with an F, whereas 759 boys failed with the same grade.
Odongo further reveals that overall, this year’s performance was better than the previous year. In general, a total of 52,452 candidates scored three principals in 2023, compared to 41,947 in 2022. Additionally, 28,191 candidates passed with two principals in 2023, compared to 25,841 in the previous year. Furthermore, 18,624 candidates scored one principal in 2023, whereas there were 18,382 in 2022. Moreover, 9,222 candidates obtained one subsidiary in 2023, compared to 9,590 in 2022. Finally, 996 candidates failed with an F in 2023, an increase from 770 in 2022.
The report emphasized a gradual increase in the number of candidates taking Mathematics and Sciences, although still below half of the total candidature.
However, Odongo stated that pass rates in these subjects at the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) level have been historically low, affecting the transition to UACE.
Odongo further said that Luzira Upper Prison made headlines by registering 34 inmates, with all candidates successfully passing the UACE exams.
The report also discussed university admissions criteria, with two principal level passes still being the minimum requirement for degree courses and more candidates qualifying for admission compared to previous years.
Despite these positive trends, Odongo mentioned persistent challenges particularly in the teaching methodology. He called for the need for a more practical approach to learning, as candidates often lack the necessary skills to perform experiments and interpret results effectively. He noted that the deficiency affects performance in core science subjects.
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