By Our Reporter
PARLIAMENT - Tensions flared in Parliament as lawmakers debated the recently released Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results, with some expressing discontent over the performance disparities between urban and rural schools. Emmanuel Ongiertho, Member of Parliament for Jonam County, urged parents dissatisfied with their children’s results to utilize the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) complaint mechanism rather than attributing the outcomes to regional biases.
Ongiertho’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by Ethel Naluyima, Woman Representative for Wakiso District, who questioned UNEB’s grading system. Naluyima noted that rural schools had outperformed urban institutions in Wakiso and Kampala, which have historically dominated the top ranks. She called for a thorough investigation into UNEB’s marking and grading processes, citing widespread discontent among stakeholders.
“In the release of results, UNEB was clear that the number of First Grades (Aggregates 4 and 5) had reduced due to adjustments in the grading system. However, overall performance has improved,” Ongiertho stated. “Certain areas think it is their right to always perform well. It isn’t a right. If there are concerns, parents should use UNEB’s complaint mechanism. This shouldn’t be an issue for us.”
Naluyima, however, argued that the grading system had unfairly disadvantaged schools in Wakiso and Kampala. “UNEB is mandated to ensure credible results, but there are evident lapses in the grading process. The PLE results have raised serious concerns, and we need a thorough investigation into UNEB’s mandate, marking model, and grading system,” she said.
Naluyima
The debate highlights growing tensions over the fairness and transparency of Uganda’s examination system. While UNEB has yet to respond to the allegations, the call for an investigation underscores the need for clarity and accountability in the grading process to restore public confidence.
Torch Media Africa
