Katikamu North Member of Parliament, Dennis Ssekabira, has renewed his call on the Ministry of Education and Sports to urgently review the entry requirements for medical courses, especially in light of the recently implemented lower secondary school curriculum.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Mulago school of Nursing and midwifery , which brought together education officials, medical training experts, and other key stakeholders, MP Ssekabira expressed serious concern over the current grading system under the new curriculum.
He warned that the system could unfairly disadvantage many aspiring medical students.
“The grading system is hurting students,” Ssekabira emphasized. “The revised academic framework does not clearly align with the entry requirements for medical institutions. This lack of clarity risks locking out many qualified students," he said.
According to the MP, students who sat their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations in 2023 under the new curriculum are already facing rejection from medical institutions.
Unlike the previous curriculum, where students with a “Pass 8” were eligible for medical courses, the new system requires a minimum of grade “C,” equivalent to a "Pass 7" under the old curriculum — a threshold Ssekabira says is too high given the country’s need for medical professionals.
“We are in dire need of health workers,” he added. “This requirement will deny opportunities to many passionate and capable students who dream of becoming medics.”
Moses Okwera Mugisha, a medical tutor, echoed Ssekabira’s concerns, calling the situation “deeply troubling.”
“The situation is bad. Many students are now stuck,” Mugisha said. “They worked hard, passed their exams, but are being turned away because of the grading confusion.”
Stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the urgency of the matter. Andrew Mugisha, Secretary General of the Association of Private Medical Institutions, revealed that a review is already underway.
“We are actively reviewing the matter,” he stated. “It is crucial to find a balanced solution that doesn’t unfairly penalize students.”
The Ministry of Education’s new lower secondary curriculum, designed to promote competency-based learning, has sparked widespread debate, particularly concerning its grading system and implications for professional course admissions.
As calls intensify for the Ministry to issue clear and equitable guidelines, MP Ssekabira stressed the need for immediate action.
“This isn’t just an education policy issue — it’s about the future of healthcare in Uganda,” he said.
Dr. Safiinah Musene, Commissioner for Health Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, responded to the concerns, confirming that consultations are ongoing and that the matter will soon be revisited.