Only 157 out of the 650 candidates who sat for their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) in 2021 in Bukomansimbi district have enrolled in Advanced Level (A-Level) this year, raising concern among local authorities.
District Education Officer, Patrick Zziwa expressed deep concern, noting that the 95% decline in A-Level candidates poses a serious threat to the education system in Bukomansimbi.
He highlighted a trend where the number of candidates declines as they progress through the education levels in the district.
"The number of candidates who sat for PLE is not the same number that we register in secondary here in Bukomansimbi, it declines at O-Level, and the number of UCE candidates is not that we register at A-Level," explained Zziwa.
Preliminary reports attribute the drop in enrollment to economic challenges and the lingering impact of the global pandemic.
Zziwa pointed out a concerning factor: institutions admitting even primary seven dropouts, potentially diverting students from the formal education system.
"Most of the candidates break out and join institutions, and now here in Masaka, we have institutions that take even those that have finished their PLE," Zziwa said, emphasizing the need to sensitize parents, especially those who are illiterate and may not understand the value of higher education.
The enrollment decline has affected schools like St. Joseph SS Butenga, where only 20 out of 110 UCE candidates joined A-Level, and St. Victor’s SS Kitaasa, with 70 out of 204 candidates advancing to A-Level.
"We think there is a need to sensitize parents because some are illiterate. They did not go to school during their days, so they do not see the value of educating a child to A-Level," remarked Miss. Namazzi Anasitazia, Deputy Head Teacher at St. Joseph SS Butenga.
Economic challenges were also cited by Ssenyonga Geravazio, the headteacher at St. Victor’s Kitaasa SS. Some students, faced with financial constraints, question their ability to afford university fees, discouraging them from pursuing A-Level.
Local authorities are now actively investigating the specific challenges faced by students in the district, with plans to implement targeted solutions.
Education officials are gearing up for initiatives starting in 2024 to raise awareness about the importance of higher education and the potential opportunities it can provide.
The DEO called upon fellow leaders to engage with the community and involve parents and guardians in supporting their children's educational aspirations.
As authorities work towards understanding and resolving the issues at hand, the commitment remains strong to create an environment that fosters education and empowers students to pursue their academic goals.
