Makerere Claims Credit for Improved Biology Performance in National Examinations

Makerere University has stepped forward to claim credit for the recent increased  performance in Biology performance in national examinations, pointing to its research-driven interventions as a key driver behind gains at the Advanced level.

Recently released UNEB data confirm a marked improvement in Biology, with the proportion of candidates achieving principal passes (grades A to E) rising to 64.4 percent from 57.7 percent in 2024. Top-tier A grades jumped sharply to around 5.6–5.9 percent from just 1.1 percent the previous year, reflecting stronger overall outcomes in the subject alongside gains in other sciences like Mathematics and Chemistry.

Now, Researchers under the Uganda National Biology Society at Makerere say this was all due to their study that examined long standing poor performance in biology in national examinations and proposed changes in teaching methods, school support systems, and curriculum alignment.

Fredrick Muyodi, a professor involved in the study, said the research set out to identify the root causes behind weak biology results in the Uganda National Examinations Board assessments at both Uganda Certificate of Education and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education levels.

“For several years their was learners in Uganda were performing poorly in biology during the National exams which triggered Makerere to carry out a study of the problem and come up with lasting solutions,” he noted.

Prof. Muyodi made the remarks at the event where Makerere university presented its strategic plan for the 2025/2026–2029/2030 period. 

He mentioned that during their study they found out that biology teaching was predominantly theoretical with limited practical and field based learning. The study also showed several schools face inadequate laboratory facilities and teaching materials and low digital access in many regions. 

But, this was no new finding as it has been listed in UNEB reports for years. The study also indicated that digital access remains limited in many regions and schools with low student engagement  with real life time  application of biology as well as coordination gaps between the curriculum design and the assessment.

Prof. Muyodi mentioned the recent improvement in the biology performance in the just released UACE exams and a year before is due to the engagements with stakeholders adding that there is a need for sustainable improvement.