MBARARA, Uganda — Former Makerere University Business School Principal Prof. Juma Waswa Balunywa has called for the abolition of Uganda’s Primary Leaving Examinations and Uganda Certificate of Education exams, saying they are outdated and deepen inequality.
Balunywa made the remarks on Feb. 26, 2026, while speaking at the eighth graduation ceremony of Metropolitan International University in Mbarara City. He described the national exams as barriers that do little to build practical skills and instead contribute to high dropout rates.
“We need to reform education if the country is to transform. What are examinations for? PLE and UCE are useless,” he said.
Balunywa, a former principal of Makerere University Business School, has spent more than three decades in academia. He holds a doctorate in entrepreneurship and has been a vocal advocate for practical and inclusive learning. During his tenure at MUBS, he expanded private student programs and strengthened business education.
Exams as Gatekeepers
The Primary Leaving Examination is administered by the Uganda National Examinations Board at the end of seven years of primary school. It determines admission to secondary education. The UCE, commonly known as O level, marks the completion of lower secondary school after four years.
Balunywa argued that the exams sort learners into socioeconomic categories at an early age. Top performers often access better schools and opportunities, while others struggle to continue their education.
He said the system favors memorization instead of skills development and leaves many students behind.
Dropout Crisis
Uganda continues to face high dropout rates across primary and secondary levels. Education data shows that many pupils do not complete the full primary cycle, and a significant number leave school during lower secondary education.
Balunywa said girls are disproportionately affected, often dropping out because of teenage pregnancy and poverty. He warned that repeated exams and academic pressure push vulnerable learners out of school and onto the streets.
“Uganda will not transform when large numbers of children are dropping out before completing basic education,” he said.
He linked the dropout crisis to poverty, long distances to school, lack of meals and limited scholastic materials, especially in rural communities.
Competency Based Curriculum Under Scrutiny
In 2020, the government introduced a competency based curriculum for lower secondary schools to shift focus from theory to practical skills such as critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
Balunywa acknowledged the reform but said it remains incomplete as long as national examinations continue to dominate the system. He argued that meaningful change requires broader structural reforms, including teacher support and assessment methods that measure skills rather than memorized content.
Call for Science and Technical Training
Balunywa urged the government to invest more in science education and technical training to drive socio economic transformation. He called for stronger support to private universities and the creation of a national research fund to boost innovation.
He said universities, including private institutions, play a critical role in expanding access to higher education and supporting national development.
Graduation Ceremony
At the ceremony, 2,535 students graduated from Metropolitan International University. Of these, 48.4 percent were female and 51.6 percent male. The institution, accredited by the National Council for Higher Education, operates campuses in Kisoro, Kampala and Mbarara.
The best graduating student, Alexander Sembalirwa, who earned a CGPA of 4.74, received a cash prize of 1 million shillings.
State Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs Kabuye Kyofatogabye urged graduates to align their careers with national priorities such as agro industrialization, tourism, minerals, oil and gas and science and technology. He also cautioned them about HIV risks and encouraged further studies.
MIU Chancellor Dr. Philemon Mateke called for professional excellence, while Vice Chancellor Dr. Julius Arinaitwe emphasized innovation and ethical use of artificial intelligence. Board Secretary Dr. Gracious Ariyo urged graduates to remain disciplined and focused.
Balunywa advised the graduates to pursue continuous skills development.
“Skills are acquired over time and not bought,” he said.
