Senior Reporter
In the recently released Primary Leaving Examination results for 2023 in Kabale District, it was disclosed that 180 Primary Seven candidates failed to pass. Additionally, the Kabale District Inspector of Schools, Wilberforce Nabaasa, noted that an extra 50 candidates did not participate in the exams. Despite these setbacks, out of the 3,022 pupils who were registered for the PLE in Kabale District the previous year, there were commendable achievements in performance distribution: 210 attained Division I, 1,677 secured Division II, 791 obtained Division III, and 293 received Division IV.
Nabaasa pointed out that these results represented an improvement in overall performance compared to the preceding year, 2022. He highlighted a significant increase in the general performance percentage, with Kabale District achieving a success rate of 92.8% this year, compared to 87.8% in the previous year.
To address the challenges faced by underperforming schools, the Kabale District Education Officer, Moses Bwengye Tumwijukye, announced plans to enhance support through intensified supervision and inspection. He identified absenteeism among both teachers and pupils as a prevalent issue affecting performance.
Various head teachers, speaking anonymously, revealed additional challenges impacting students’ academic outcomes. These included parents’ inability to provide sufficient learning materials, such as books and pens. Furthermore, some students in Universal Primary Education (UPE) Schools were reportedly attending classes on empty stomachs.
Alex Biryomumeisho, the head teacher of Nyabushabi Primary School (UPE), emphasized that various factors contributing to students’ performance were closely linked to their home environment.
In the Divisional grades ranking, Victorious Preparatory School in Kitumba Sub county emerged as the top non-UPE school, with 54 candidates securing Division 1. Conversely, Kavu Primary School in Maziba Sub County was recognized as the best-performing UPE School, with all P.7 candidates achieving Division 1 and 2.
