UAHEB reports decline in performance

The Uganda Allied Health Examinations Board (UAHEB) has released the results of the November to December 2024 final examinations, showing a decline in performance. According to UAHEB executive secretary Mr Joseph Agondua, out of 6,742 final semester candidates assessed, 4,821 passed while 1,921 had retakes.

"This represents an 11.3 per cent decline compared to the November/December 2023 examinations, where 6,016 passed out of 7,376 candidates assessed," Mr. Agondua said.

Mr Agondua attributed the decline to a decrease in candidature, from 7,376 in November/December 2023 to 6,742 for November/December 2024. Additionally, there has been a continued low enrollment into higher diploma programs.

"The decrease in candidature is a concern, and we need to investigate the reasons behind it," Mr. Agondua said.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, reported that the ministry is developing a new curriculum for higher diploma programs, despite the low enrollment.

"We have developed curriculum in diploma programs, in medical research and health informatics, and in medical emergency medicine," Dr. Turyagyenda said.

The Minister of State for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, defended the limited number of candidates who passed the exams, emphasizing the importance of quality.

"This number, although it appears to be small, is an achievement for human capital development for health programs," Minister Muyingo said.

Minister Muyingo added that the assessed number will help reduce the workload of existing health workers.

"We need to emphasize quality over quantity," Minister Muyingo said. "The candidates who passed the exams have demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality healthcare services."

However, the exams were not without incident. Three cases of examination malpractice were reported, including a candidate who had their results cancelled for possessing summarized notes in the examination room.

Another candidate was asked to repeat their research after forging research findings, and a tutor was suspended for assisting candidates during practical exams.

"The board takes examination malpractice very seriously, and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone found guilty of cheating," Mr. Agondua said.

The UAHEB has since merged with other health professional assessment bodies to form the Uganda Health Professionals Assessment Board (UHPAB), as part of an ongoing rationalisation exercise.

"This merger will help streamline the assessment process and improve the quality of healthcare professionals in Uganda," Dr. Turyagyenda said.

The UAHEB has been responsible for conducting examinations for allied health professionals in Uganda since its establishment in 2006. The board has been working to improve the quality of healthcare professionals in Uganda through rigorous assessments and evaluations.