At least 363,427 pupils scored 28 aggregates in the 2011 Primary Leaving Examinations according to the results released by the Uganda National Examinations Board—UNEB on Wednesday.
The results released by UNEB Secretary Mathew Bukenya indicate that out of the 515,916 candidates who sat the 2011 PLE, 444,815 passed compared to 431,706 candidates who passed in 2010.
The pupils performed well in Science followed by English, Mathematics and Social Studies. According to Bukenya, the quality of candidates’ work has improved compared to the previous year and that girls have performed better than boys at both distinction and credit levels.
Bukenya however revealed that 70101 candidates failed the exams.
Results of 1040 candidates have been withheld by UNEB for what Bukenya called examination malpractices that took place at their respective centres involving external assistance. Some of the schools whose results were withheld include Nyantungo Primary School in Kyenjojo district, Clever’s Origin School in Kampala with 32 candidates and Bugala St. Yuda School in Nakaseke district, where 51 pupils had their results withheld.
The UNEB boss indicated that out of the 535,933 candidates who registered for the PLE in 2011, only 515,916 sat for the exams. He attributed the drop out rates to early marriages, pregnancies and elopement.
Education Minister Jessica Alupo called on the district authorities and police to investigate these cases and have the culprits prosecuted. She observed that the number of candidates has been increasing over the years from 129,933 in 2003 to 535,933 in 2011, indicating government’s commitment to improving literacy levels.
Alupo pointed out that the number of children with special needs is also growing, thanks to UNEB for providing the necessary learning materials for the disabled children.
