By TV10 Investigative Desk
Fifteen headteachers in Luwero District are facing scrutiny after their schools posted dismal results in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The district’s performance was marred by 1,085 candidates (6.8%) failing and 288 candidates (1.8%) absent from the exams, out of 16,162 registered students.
Although 1,756 students (11.11%) achieved Division One, the overall performance raised concerns. Several schools were singled out for their poor performance, including Kyanukuzi UMEA Primary School, where 13 out of 20 candidates failed, Nakabululu Primary with 11 failures from 29 candidates, and St. Stephen Kyetume, where 8 out of 16 candidates failed.
Other underperforming schools included Muwangi P/S, Kisazi P/S, and Malungu P/S. Yusuf Kamulegeya, the Luwero District Inspector of Schools, stated that the headteachers of these schools will be summoned to explain the high failure and absentee rates before any disciplinary actions are taken.
The district’s concerns are compounded by the fact that although the number of failures decreased from 8.8% in 2023 to 6.8% in 2024, the failure rate remains high.
Erastus Kibirango, the LCV Chairman of Luwero District, emphasized that headteachers must justify the performance of each candidate and that insufficient explanations will result in disciplinary action by the Sanctions and Rewards Committee for incompetence.
Kibirango also reiterated a district resolution requiring parents to pay for lunch fees, eliminating this excuse for failure. Reverend Canon Mephibosheth Musisi, the Luwero Anglican Diocesan Secretary, expressed concern as four of the listed schools are run by the Church of Uganda, adding to the widespread dissatisfaction with the results.
The Luwero District authorities are taking a firm stance on accountability, and the headteachers’ explanations will be closely scrutinized. As the district seeks to improve its education standards, the outcome of this inquiry will be eagerly awaited.
