Parents in Kamwenge Town Council, Kamwenge District, are calling on the government to educate them on the recently introduced grading system, following concerns about their lack of understanding.
The new grading system, implemented by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), was introduced as part of the competency-based curriculum rolled out in 2020.
The first cohort of students under this system sat their exams in 2024. Unlike the previous grading system that used distinctions and credits, the new system assesses students based on achievement levels using letter grades A, B, C, D, and E.
Under this system, for a student to attain Division One, they must pass at least eight subjects, including English Language with credit, a Humanity subject, Mathematics, and a Science subject. At least seven of these subjects must be passed at credit level or better.
However, many parents in Kamwenge say they have not been sensitized about the changes and are struggling to interpret their children's results.
They are now urging the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to step in and provide guidance.
Several parents who spoke to this website expressed frustration, saying they feel left out of their children's academic journey due to the lack of clear information.
"We do not understand this new grading system. We need the government to educate us so that we can know how to support our children academically," said one concerned parent.
Another parent echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Without proper knowledge of the grading system, how can we evaluate whether our children have performed well or not? The Ministry of Education must come in and help us understand."
Stephen Barinaitwe, the Kamwenge District Education Officer (DEO), acknowledged that many parents are indeed unaware of how the new grading system works. However, he advised them to engage with their children, who have been taught about the changes and can help explain them.
"I encourage parents to take time and discuss with their children. The students themselves understand the new curriculum better and can help their parents grasp the changes," Barinaitwe stated.
As concerns continue to grow, parents are now waiting to see whether the Ministry of Education and Sports will take action to ensure they are well-informed about the new grading system.