Expert Clarifies New Grading System After 2024 UCE Results Sow Confusion

Mr Stephen Kaziba, in a detailed explainer following widespread confusion that came with the release of the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education results on Tuesday, called on stakeholders to pay attention to the finer details.

The new competency-based assessment has no divisions like in the past and parents and schools should look into the scores of their learners to take note of what they qualify to do in life, an educator has said.

"Pay attention to the letter grades, as they describe what the child can do in each subject," Mr. Kaziba said

Under the new competency-based assessment that was first examined at O-Level last year, there is no ranking of candidates into Divisions as in the previous curriculum.

A candidate will qualify for the UCE Certificate if they obtain a competency level grade of D in at least one subject sat for.

The overall results show that 350,146 (98.05%) of the candidates who sat qualified for the UCE certificate.

This will be indicated on the Transcript and Certificate as Result 1. The candidates who did not fulfil the conditions for the award of the UCE certificate will have Result 2 indicated on their transcripts.

These are candidates who did not sit for some compulsory subjects, or did not sit for a minimum of eight subjects, or who have no Project Work scores.

However, confusion surrounding the ranking of "Result 1" has led many schools to mistakenly interpret it as indicating that their candidates excelled in the first grade.

This misconception has spread widely, especially on WhatsApp groups, prompting Mr. Kaziba to offer further clarification.

Mr. Kaziba stressed that "Result 1" does not mean First Grade or Division One, as has been widely misunderstood. Instead, it indicates that the child has qualified to receive both a certificate and a transcript.

"Schools and parents must focus on the letter grades, which offer a clearer understanding of what the child can do in each subject," he said.

"The transcript, once available, will provide more details to help interpret the results, and UNEB will communicate when the transcripts and certificates are ready."

In this new grading system, learner achievement in each subject is represented by a letter grade: A, B, C, D, or E, each reflecting a different level of competency. A score of ‘A’ represents exceptional competency, while ‘E’ signals elementary competency.

A = Exceptional – Demonstrates extraordinary competency by applying knowledge and skills innovatively and creatively in real-life situations.
B = Outstanding – Demonstrates a high level of competency by effectively applying acquired knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
C = Satisfactory – Demonstrates an adequate level of competency in applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
D = Basic – Demonstrates a minimum level of competency in applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
E = Elementary – Demonstrates below the basic level of competency in applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations.

Learners who scored ‘A’ in a subject have demonstrated exceptional competency and are well-prepared to pursue further study in that subject, assuming other factors remain favorable.

The grades are determined by a combination of continuous assessment (20%) and the final UNEB assessment (80%).

A candidate qualifies for the UCE Certificate if they obtain at least a grade D in one subject.

"If a candidate’s results show ‘Result 2’ or ‘Result 3,’ it means the learner did not meet the conditions required for the UCE certificate, but may still receive a transcript," Mr Kaziba said.

"These learners will need guidance on the next steps, and parents are encouraged to seek advice from career teachers and mentors."

Guidance for Schools, Parents, and the Media

Mr Kaziba urged schools to guide parents accurately and not mislead them based on misconceptions about the grading system.

“Some children have received genuine grades, while for others, their grades may not fully reflect their true potential,” he explained.

Teachers, he said, should offer support based on a child’s abilities, but should not impose decisions. Encouraging a growth mindset is essential, as every child has the potential to succeed with the right guidance.

For parents, the focus should be on carefully analyzing their child’s results and engaging in thoughtful discussions about the next steps.

Factors to consider include the learner’s passion, attitude, mindset, and available resources. If a child has scored ‘A’ or ‘B,’ they are well-equipped to pursue that subject at A-Level. Those with lower scores (C or D) can still study the subject at A-Level, but will require additional support.

Mr Kaziba also advised that media outlets refrain from disseminating misleading information about the competency-based curriculum (CBC).

He emphasized the importance of accuracy, particularly in avoiding comparisons with the previous grading system.

“Schools are not ranked, and there are no divisions. The focus is on real-life application of knowledge and skills,” he clarified.

The educator reminded both schools and parents that not all students are suited for A-Level education, and that alternative pathways should be considered.

"Some students may excel in vocational fields or other specialised areas," he said. "It is crucial to support them in pursuing those opportunities, as they contribute meaningfully to the country’s development."

By adopting the right mindset and providing the necessary support, every learner can find a path that aligns with their unique strengths and interests.

Through collaboration and understanding, Uganda can nurture a generation of students prepared to face the challenges of the future.