The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) is set to release examination timetables today, September 30, for candidates in Primary Seven, Senior Four, and Senior Six final exams.
UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule announced that the exams will take place between October and November. Senior Four candidates will have their briefing on October 11, with the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams starting on October 14. This year marks a significant transition, as it is the first UCE exam conducted under the new lower secondary curriculum.
With just two weeks to prepare, approximately 300,000 students are registered for the UCE exams, alongside 10,000 students taking transitional examinations under the previous curriculum.
The introduction of the new curriculum has led to uncertainty among schools, students, and parents regarding exam expectations and outcomes. Many schools, especially in rural areas, face challenges such as a lack of instructional materials, inconsistent grading and assessment guidelines, and concerns about student preparedness for this critical academic phase.
Launched four years ago, the new curriculum aims to move away from rote learning, emphasizing a practical, hands-on approach that enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Kalule assured that UNEB has taken several steps to prepare for the implementation of competence-based assessments.