Science Subje Still A Challenge -Some Schools Have Been Reported To Have No Science Teachers

 In 2006, the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports made the study of science subjects, namely: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics compulsory for ordinary-level secondary school students. The government has continued to encourage students to offer sciences through initiatives like student loan schemes to university students at the university. 

The Executive Director of Uganda National Examinations Board Dan N Odongo noted that Examinersof 2023 senior Four exams have attributed the low achievement levels in science subjects to several factors, the main among which is inadequate teaching, manifesting in the inability of the learners to master the basic scientific concepts; lack of practical teaching, manifesting in the learners' inability to manipulate science apparatus and carry out the procedures prescribed in the examination papers and interpret any readings or observations that could have been made. 

 ED Dan N OdongO revealed that Some schools have been reported to have no science teachers yet the science subjects are compulsory, which exacerbates the problem and most of the examination malpractice cases at this level are in the practical papers.

Although cases of examination malpractice have continued to reduce there were some cases of external assistance given in the examination rooms affecting mostly Physics and Chemistry practical examinations, and Mathematics.

There is a significant improvement in English Language, Religious Education, Mathematics, and Biology. Noticeable drops were recorded in history, Agriculture, and Physics. Performance in the other subjects has remained comparable. 

In the English language, the presentation of crammed passages from texts in response to the question on original composition writing has been greatly reduced, which may explain the significant improvement in the candidate's performance.
Performance in the sciences continues to be a cause for concern, with less than 20 percent of the candidates obtaining Credit pass levels in Physics and Chemistry and 40 percent or more being unable to pass. The upturn in performance in Biology has been recording a steady decline.

Professor Celestino Obua UNECB Chairperson refuted claims that UNEB grading is selective and disadvantages learners from schools in and around Kampala in favour of upcountry schools.

'' Some of the misinformation even indicated that the grading system used by UNEB selected particular parts of the country for better results''. Prof. Obua said.