The release of the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results on Tuesday brought with it a wave of confusion among parents, schools, and students. Many were left scratching their heads over the new grading system, which has replaced the old division-based approach. To help clear the air, education expert Mr. Stephen Kaziba stepped forward with a detailed explanation, urging everyone to focus on the finer details of the new system.

Mr. Kaziba emphasized that the new competency-based assessment, which was first introduced at the O-Level last year, no longer ranks students into divisions like before. Instead, it uses letter grades to show how well a student has performed in each subject. These grades—A, B, C, D, and E—reflect different levels of competency, from exceptional to elementary. According to Mr. Kaziba, parents and schools should pay close attention to these letter grades, as they provide a clearer picture of what a student can do in each subject.

Under the new system, a student qualifies for the UCE Certificate if they score at least a grade D in one subject. This is marked as “Result 1” on their transcript and certificate. Out of the 350,146 candidates who sat for the exams, an impressive 98.05% qualified for the UCE Certificate. However, those who did not meet the requirements, such as failing to sit for compulsory subjects or not completing the minimum of eight subjects, will have “Result 2” or “Result 3” on their transcripts.

Despite the clarity of the new system, many schools and parents have misunderstood the meaning of “Result 1.” Some mistakenly believed it indicated that their students had achieved a first-grade or Division One ranking, similar to the old system. This misconception spread quickly, especially on social media platforms like WhatsApp, prompting Mr. Kaziba to set the record straight. He explained that “Result 1” simply means the student has qualified for the UCE Certificate and transcript—it does not signify top performance.

Mr. Kaziba stressed the importance of focusing on the letter grades, which provide a more accurate understanding of a student’s abilities. For example, a grade of ‘A’ means the student has shown exceptional competency in a subject, while a grade of ‘E’ indicates elementary competency. These grades are determined by a combination of continuous assessment (20%) and the final UNEB exam (80%). Students who score ‘A’ or ‘B’ are well-prepared to pursue further studies in those subjects at A-Level, while those with lower grades may need additional support.

For students who receive “Result 2” or “Result 3,” Mr. Kaziba advised parents and schools to provide guidance on the next steps. These students may still receive a transcript but will need help exploring alternative pathways, such as vocational training or specialized fields. He encouraged parents to work closely with career teachers and mentors to identify the best options for their children.

Mr. Kaziba also called on schools to avoid misleading parents with incorrect interpretations of the new grading system. He reminded teachers to support students based on their individual abilities and to foster a growth mindset. “Every child has the potential to succeed with the right guidance,” he said. Parents, on their part, should carefully analyze their child’s results and have open discussions about their future. Factors such as the student’s passion, attitude, mindset, and available resources should all be considered when making decisions.

The media also came under Mr. Kaziba’s spotlight. He urged journalists to avoid spreading misleading information about the competency-based curriculum (CBC) and to refrain from making comparisons with the old grading system. “Schools are not ranked, and there are no divisions. The focus is on the real-life application of knowledge and skills,” he clarified. He also reminded everyone that not all students are suited for A-Level education, and that alternative pathways, such as vocational training, can be equally valuable.

Mr. Kaziba’s message was clear: the new grading system is designed to help students apply their knowledge and skills in real-life situations. It is not about ranking or competition but about preparing students for the challenges of the future. By understanding the system and providing the right support, parents and schools can help every student find a path that aligns with their strengths and interests.

The 2024 UCE results mark a significant shift in Uganda’s education system. While the new grading system may have caused some confusion initially, experts like Mr. Stephen Kaziba are working hard to ensure that everyone understands its purpose and benefits. By focusing on the letter grades and providing the necessary guidance, Uganda can nurture a generation of students who are well-equipped to contribute to the country’s development. Through collaboration and understanding, every learner can find their unique path to success.