The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations have commenced, with a record 166,402 candidates registered to sit, up from 141,996 in 2024.
This increase reflects a steady upward trend in advanced-level enrollment across the country.
The rise is particularly notable in science subjects, prompting some schools to appeal to the government for additional support.
Science teaching remains resource-intensive, and the sharp increase in student numbers has stretched existing facilities and materials.
Geoffrey Nyende, deputy headteacher at Kololo Senior Secondary School, noted that the school registered 438 candidates this year, up from 320 in 2024.
“Students now have more confidence that completing Senior Six gives them greater chances of joining higher institutions of learning, unlike before when very few institutions existed and entry required extremely high marks,” he said.
Nyende added that the growing number of science students presents challenges.
“Science teaching is resource-intensive, and as a universal secondary school, we struggle to provide all the necessary materials. We appeal to the government for increased support,” he explained.
At Kitante Hill School, Head Teacher Wotakyala Samuel Balwana noted that while they have managed to adjust resources, the school also faces a growing student population.
He attributed the rise in candidates to increased access to Senior Six across regions and more support for girls to stay in school.
“The increase in the number of schools across different regions, and the fact that more girls are being supported to continue their education, are among the main reasons the numbers have gone up,” Wotakyala said.
As the exams get underway, schools are calling for continued government support to ensure quality science education keeps pace with the rising number of candidates.
