Ezekiel Olobo, a student with a hearing impairment, is lifted in celebration by his peers at Teso College Aloet on March 14, 2025 after scoring 18 points in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams. Olobo, who pursued a BCM/ICT combination, was honored for his outstanding academic achievement.
At least 48,570 students will miss out on university admission after failing to obtain the required two principal passes in the 2024 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, according to results released on Friday by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
Of these, 29,233 secured one principal pass, 17,750 received two subsidiary passes, while 1,632 students failed completely.
Minister for Education and Sports Janet Museveni acknowledged that not all students intend to pursue higher education and highlighted alternatives in technical and vocational education.
“The government has 15 technical colleges that can accommodate those interested in the TVET career path after Senior Six,” she said.
She added that students seeking government sponsorship at public universities and tertiary institutions—including technical colleges—had until January 20, 2025, to apply under the Public Universities Admissions Board (PUJAB) for the 2025/2026 academic year.
“The TVET path also has a decentralized application process, separate from PUJAB, and the dates for the next application window in April/May will be communicated by the Ministry of Education and Sports,” first lady Janet Museveni noted.
First Lady and education minister Janet Museveni displays 2024 UACE results during their release at State House Nakasero on March 14, 2025. PHOTO/ISAAC KASAMANAI
UNEB Board Chairperson Celestine Obua said discussions were underway to explore options for students who wish to retake exams.
“We have technical experts working alongside the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to determine how these candidates can be supported,” he said. “We will ensure they are not left behind.”
Obua also stressed the growing demand for technical skills in the workforce.
“Many industries are seeking technically skilled workers with diplomas more than those with degrees,” he said.
He added: “Having three principal passes does not necessarily mean one must join university—technical education is a viable alternative.”
Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, noted that the 2019 TVET policy had been officially gazetted and would take effect from March 15.
“This law will now fully guide the TVET system moving forward,” she said. “Students who didn’t qualify for university should not see this as the end—they can still acquire valuable skills.”
Professor Fred Masagazi from Makerere University acknowledged the challenges in convincing students and parents to consider non-university pathways.
“There are several institutions offering bridging courses to help students qualify for university,” he said. “Higher learning institutions should develop structured bridging programs.”
He also urged the National Council for Higher Education to reconsider the requirement for two principal passes, allowing students to retake failed subjects.
Officials attend the release of 2024 UACE results at State House, Nakasero in Kampala on March 14, 2025. PHOTO/HANDOUT
Masagazi attributed some academic struggles to excessive social media use, warning that unregulated online learning platforms may be misleading students.
“Social media has turned into a classroom, but many of these platforms are driven by profit rather than genuine education,” he said. “We have reports of people running online classes without following the required syllabus, and students access them without guidance.”
More stories on UACE 2024 results:
UACE 2024 results:Uneb urges government to strengthen STEM education
UACE 2024 results:Performance drops as candidate numbers surge
