The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the 2022 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results, following examinations that were conducted with the utmost integrity and a heightened focus on the health and safety of learners. Held on the 8th and 9th of November 2022, the exams were administered under the theme: “Integrity and Security in the Management of Examinations, the Health and Safety of the Learners is a Joint Responsibility.”
Registration and Candidature Insights
The 2022 PLE saw an increase in the number of registrants, with 832,654 candidates from 14,691 centers, compared to 749,761 in 2020. The proportion of candidates benefiting from the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program also saw an uptick, with an increase of 1.7 percent.
Interestingly, the candidature has seen an average increase of 11.1% from the previous year, with a significant presence of female candidates completing the primary education cycle over the last six years. A total of 432,554 (51.9%) girls registered compared to 400,100 (48.1%) boys.
Special Needs Education
UNEB also noted a substantial increase in the registration of learners with Special Needs, up by 52.3% from 2020. This group required specialized assistance, underscoring the ongoing budgetary challenges the Board faces in providing necessary support.
Subject Performance and Gender Comparisons
The released data points to a noteworthy improvement in English performance at distinction and credit levels, with a stable overall pass level. Social Studies witnessed a decline, while Integrated Science and Mathematics saw improvements at higher pass levels. Females outshone males in English, a consistent trend over the years, whereas males performed better in other subjects.
Divisional Grades and Overall Performance
More candidates scored in Division 1 and Division 2 in 2022 compared to 2020. The overall pass levels remained comparable, with a majority of candidates qualifying to join post-primary institutions.
Performance by Funding Type
Non-UPE candidates displayed a higher performance rate compared to UPE beneficiaries. This disparity is attributed to factors such as more engaged teaching methods, higher parental involvement, and better access to supplementary educational facilities in urban areas.
Gender-Based Observations
The data further revealed that males had a proportionally higher performance and a lower failure rate compared to females.
Special Candidate Groups Performance
UNEB maintains an examination center at Uganda Government Upper Prison School, Luzira, where inmates also participate in PLE. The results indicated a successful pass rate among these candidates.
Examination Malpractice
UNEB reported several incidents of malpractice, leading to the withholding of results for affected candidates pending further investigation.
Acknowledgments and Appeals
The UNEB executive director extended gratitude to various stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister, for their unwavering support in the execution of the exams. He also appealed for timely payment to invigilators and others involved in the examination process.
Results Accessibility
Results are made available through the examination center portals for schools to download, and hard copies will be distributed from UNEB offices starting 30th January 2023. Instant access is also available via SMS services on mobile networks.
The release of the 2022 PLE results marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s education sector, reflecting the collective efforts to maintain integrity in examinations and the commitment to fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.
For a detailed breakdown and insights into the PLE 2022 results, download the full statement and stay tuned to our educational updates. https://www.mediacentre.go.ug/sites/default/files/media/2022%20PLE%20-%20STATEMENT%20OF%20RELEASE%20OF%20RESULTS.pdf
