UNEB UCE Results 2024 Grading System Explained: Uganda’s New Curriculum

If you recently checked the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results and found yourself scratching your head, you’re not the only one. The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has rolled out a new grading system, replacing the old numerical scores with letter grades—a change that has left many students, parents, and even teachers confused about what these grades actually mean.

I, for one, saw my sister’s grading with A’s and B’s and while I didn’t fully grasp the system, I assumed a grade 1 (Result 1) was a strong score. Imagine my surprise when I found out it meant something entirely different. Well, as your go-to source for clarity, let me break it all down in a way that makes sense.

Goodbye Numbers, Hello Letters
For years, UNEB used a numerical grading system (ranging from D1, D2, C3, C4, C5, C6, P7, P8, to F9) to rank students based on their performance. However, with the introduction of a competency-based curriculum, Uganda’s New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC) has replaced the old numbers with letter grades: A, B, C, D, and E.

But what do these letters represent? Here’s a simple breakdown:
A (Exceptional Achievement) – This isn’t just your standard ‘A’. It means the student has mastered the subject at a high level and can apply knowledge in real-world situations with creativity and innovation.

B (Outstanding Performance) – A student with a ‘B’ has demonstrated strong competence in the subject and can effectively apply what they have learned.

C (Satisfactory Performance) – This grade reflects a solid understanding of the subject, with the ability to use knowledge in familiar situations.

D (Basic Understanding) – The student has grasped the fundamentals but struggles with application beyond simple scenarios.

E (Elementary Understanding) – This is the lowest level, indicating minimal competency and difficulty in applying knowledge effectively.

Why the Change?
The new grading system isn’t just a random shift, but a part of Uganda’s move toward a competency-based education system. Unlike the old approach, which focused heavily on memorising and rankings, this system prioritizes practical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, according to the Ministry of Education, that is.

The goal is to ensure students aren’t just passing exams but actually gaining useful skills for the real world.

What Do These Grades Mean for Your Results?
Instead of ranking students in Divisions 1-4 like before, UNEB now categorizes results into three main groups:

Result 1 – The student qualifies for a UCE certificate, having obtained at least a grade of D or better in one or more subjects.

Result 2 – The student does not qualify for a certificate, possibly due to missing compulsory subjects or failing to meet the required number of subjects.

Result 3 – The student has only received a grade of E across all subjects, meaning they have not met the minimum competency level.

The Confusion Around the New Grading System
Since this is the first time UNEB has used this grading system, it’s no surprise that there’s widespread confusion. Many students and parents expected the usual Division rankings and are unsure how to interpret the new grades. Even those who tried to figure it all out, taking the A’s and B’s and the grade 1 as exceptional grades for their students, soon found themselves wondering if they actually got it right since about 98% of all candidates in Uganda got the same gradings of A’s and B’s and 1.

The situation has even drawn attention from the Parliament, which has asked the Ministry of Education to clarify how the grading works and what it means for students’ future opportunities.

For those who performed well, congratulations! You’re on track to progress to A-Level, vocational training, or other education pathways.

If your grades were lower than expected, don’t panic—options like technical schools, remedial learning, and skills-based programs can still help you improve and advance. We all find success in different pathways and avenues, having one path blocked doesn’t mean all doors are shut.

Personally, I see it this way: in a burning building, any opening—whether a door or a window—can be an exit. If today’s world is that burning building, then any path that leads to success is worth taking.

Change can be confusing, that much is fact, but according to the Ministry, the new UCE grading system is designed to align education with real-world skills and global standards. Instead of worrying about how the results compare to the old system, perhaps the students should focus on developing their practical knowledge and critical thinking abilities and how to use them in the real world. In the meantime, let’s embrace the shift and support students in adapting to this new learning approach!

Also read; Understanding Uganda’s New Curriculum For Lower Secondary: Thinking Outside The Box

Compiled by Muwanguzi A. Enoch