The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially announced the release date for the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results, marking a significant milestone for students, parents, and educators across the country. This year’s results are particularly noteworthy as they include the first cohort of students assessed under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC) and the final group under the old curriculum. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the S4 results 2024 release date, how to check your results, and what this means for Uganda’s education system.
Contents
Key Details About the S4 Results 2024 Release Date
- Official Release Date
The 2024 UCE results were officially released on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at State House, Nakasero, Kampala. The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, who is also the First Lady of Uganda135. - Postponement and Adjustments
Initially, the results were scheduled for release on Friday, February 7, 2025. However, the date was postponed due to prior commitments of the Education Minister37. - Significance of the 2024 UCE Exams
The 2024 UCE exams were historic, as they marked the first assessment under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum. A total of 379,748 candidates sat for the exams, with 369,601 being pioneers of the new curriculum and 10,147 taking the transitional examination under the old curriculum357.
How to Check Your S4 Results 2024
- Via SMS
Candidates can access their results instantly by sending their full UCE index number (e.g., UCE 003301/368) to 6600 on all mobile telecom networks210. - Online Portal
Schools and examination centers can download results from the UNEB portal at ereg.uneb.ac.ug. This method is particularly useful for schools needing to access bulk results210. - Hard Copies
District, Municipal, and City Inspectors of Schools can collect hard copies of the results from UNEB offices in Ntinda. However, no hard copies will be issued directly to candidates until further notice210.
What Makes the 2024 UCE Results Unique?
- Transition to the New Curriculum
The 2024 UCE exams were a turning point in Uganda’s education system, as they introduced the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum. This shift aims to align education with global standards and emphasize practical skills over rote learning358. - Dual Examination System
To ensure a smooth transition, UNEB conducted two sets of exams: one for the new curriculum and another for the transitional group under the old curriculum. This approach accommodated repeaters, adult learners, and those who missed the 2023 exams38. - Improved Performance Metrics
UNEB’s theme for the 2024 exams, “Embracing Security and Holistic Assessment of Learners in a Dynamic Environment,” reflects its commitment to a comprehensive evaluation process. Early reports indicate significant improvements, particularly among special needs education (SNE) candidates57.
Challenges and Controversies
- Delayed Release
The postponement of the results release date caused anxiety among candidates and parents. UNEB attributed the delay to logistical adjustments and the Minister’s schedule79. - Examiners’ Strike
During the marking process, some examiners protested over reduced payments, leading to temporary disruptions. UNEB addressed the issue by hiring fewer examiners compared to previous years9. - Blocked Results for Some Schools
UNEB has warned that schools with outstanding invoices on the EREG-PORTAL will not receive their results until all debts are settled35.
What’s Next After the S4 Results 2024?
- Academic Pathways
The UCE results determine students’ eligibility for Advanced Level (A-Level) education. High-performing candidates can proceed to Senior Five, while others may opt for vocational training or other career paths. - Transition to the New Curriculum
With the old curriculum phased out, all future UCE exams will follow the New Lower Secondary Curriculum. This shift is expected to enhance the quality of education and better prepare students for the job market8. - Parental and Teacher Support
Parents and teachers are encouraged to guide students in making informed decisions based on their results. Counseling services are available to help students navigate their academic and career choices.
Conclusion
The release of the S4 results 2024 is a landmark event in Uganda’s education history. As the country transitions to the New Lower Secondary Curriculum, these results not only reflect students’ academic achievements but also signal the beginning of a new era in education. Candidates, parents, and educators are urged to stay informed and utilize the available resources to access results and plan for the future.