As the countdown to the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams begins, tension is mounting among both teachers and students in Mbarara City. With 52 schools preparing for the exams, concerns are being raised about the new competence-based curriculum and the threat posed by conmen preying on students and parents.
Mbarara City Education Officer, Ezira Atuhairwe, acknowledged the high expectations set by last year’s impressive 99% pass rate.
“We have adequately prepared our candidates for these exams, and we are hopeful for great results. The syllabus has been fully covered by our trained staff, and we anticipate a positive outcome,” Atuhairwe said.
However, he also cautioned that the pressure to maintain this success has led to heightened stress among educators and candidates.
In addition to the pressures of performance, teachers have expressed alarm over the increasing number of conmen offering fake UCE exam materials. Atuhairwe warned, “We urge all parents and students to be vigilant and steer clear of conmen selling fraudulent exam materials.
Examination malpractice undermines our educational system, and we will deal harshly with anyone caught engaging in such practices.
” This warning adds to the tension felt by teachers who worry that their students may be misled by these fraudulent schemes.
Many schools are also facing equipment shortages that threaten to hinder exam preparations. Headteacher Hajji Ismael Baguma of Nyamitanga Secondary School revealed, “We have 160 registered students, but only 40 computers.
To accommodate everyone, we will need to conduct the exams in shifts.” The lack of necessary resources not only complicates the practical aspects of the exams but also heightens the tension among both staff and students.
The challenges posed by the new curriculum have further contributed to the growing fear among teachers. “Teachers and students are still grappling with adapting to the new curriculum,” Baguma noted.
This has created a sense of uncertainty as educators strive to ensure their students are adequately prepared for the upcoming tests.
Private schools in the region are also facing additional challenges, such as high registration fees and taxes, compounding their difficulties in preparing for the UCE exams.
“We are ready for the UCE exams despite certain challenges, such as high registration charges and the taxes imposed on private schools,” said Kabakyenga Lauben, headteacher of Mbarara View School.
However, the financial pressures continue to weigh heavily on both teachers and students.
Students are expressing their own concerns regarding the exams. Candidate Serrunga Akram shared his apprehension about the new curriculum’s difficulty: “The new curriculum is more challenging, and we are concerned that the time allocated for each paper may not be enough.” His classmate, Mutesi Salma, echoed these worries, stating, “We’ve prepared well, but the unfamiliar style of questions requires more time for completion. I hope we manage the time properly.”
As the UCE exams approach, schools in Mbarara City are determined to achieve their best results despite the prevailing atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The challenges they face underscore the need for continued support and resources to help students and teachers navigate this critical period successfully.