UNEB reports increased pass rate in 2024 PLE results
The results indicate a rise in the number of candidates, a reduction in absenteeism, and growth in the participation of special needs learners.
The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has announced the 2024 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results, revealing an increase in both candidature and the overall pass rate compared to 2023.
UNEB Chairperson Celestino Obua commended the board for administering four examinations, including the new lower secondary curriculum, while delivering the PLE results ahead of schedule. He credited the success to the dedication of the UNEB team, board oversight, and support from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
According to UNEB Secretary Dan Odongo, a total of 797,444 candidates from 14,883 centers (schools) registered for PLE in 2024 compared to 749,347 in 2023. Of these, 524,025 (65.7%) were Universal Primary Education (UPE) beneficiaries, while 273,419 (34.3%) were non-UPE candidates. Gender analysis showed that more girls (418,750 or 52.5%) than boys (378,709 or 47.5%) completed the Primary Education cycle, a trend observed in recent years.
The results indicate a rise in the number of candidates, a reduction in absenteeism, and growth in the participation of special needs learners.
Candidates in the Deaf category performed exceptionally well, with fewer ungraded learners reported. However, there was a slight decline in the number of candidates achieving Division One and distinction scores.
The board also reported a worrying trend of some schools fraudulently registering perfectly normal pupils as special needs candidates under the “Others” category, which includes health conditions like asthma, epilepsy, and sickle cell anemia. While these conditions may require extra examination time of 45 minutes, they do not necessitate specialized assistance. UNEB plans to review its identification procedures to curb such practices.
The overall performance of candidates by grades, including distinctions, credits, and passes, was compared across 2024 and 2023. The detailed breakdown of subject performance by grade shows a steady improvement in educational outcomes. Despite the challenges, UNEB emphasized the progress made in promoting inclusivity and quality education across Uganda.
