The transition to Advanced Level (A-Level) education has become a focal point of concern among Ugandan legislators due to ambiguities surrounding the curriculum for incoming students. Ministry of Education and Sports had previously introduced a competence-based syllabus for Ordinary Level (O-Level) students, with the pioneer cohort having completed their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations last year.
Hon. Anthony Akol, Member of Parliament for Kilak North County, highlighted the issue during a plenary session on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
He noted that while the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) is expected to release UCE results in two weeks, schools remain uncertain about the syllabus to be employed for the advancing learners.
In seeking clarity, Hon. Akol approached the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Chrysostom Muyingo, who indicated that an abridged version of the existing A-Level curriculum would be utilized.
However, Akol expressed concerns that teachers have neither received training nor access to this abridged syllabus.
He emphasized that the Ministry had been aware of the impending need for a revised A-Level curriculum for four years, questioning why its development was previously unfunded and only budgeted for in the 2025/2026 financial year.The Ministry Ecation and Sports has acknowledged these concerns.
Dr. Denis Mugimbae Ministry's spokesperson, stated that the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) is in the process of modifying the existing A-Level curriculum to align with the competence-based approach introduced at the O-Level. This abridged currim aims to remove outdated content and address overlaps in subject matter.
Dr. Mugimba assured tthe abridged curriculum would be ready for implementation by February 2025.
Despite these assurances, legislators remain apprehensive. Hon. Akol urged the Ministry to provide a clear way for, emphasizing that the absence of a defined syllabus has left parents and learners in a state of confusion. He stressed the urgency of the matter, warning the current cohort of students might be adversely affected by the lack of a proper curriculum framework.
As the academic year progresses, stakeholders in Uganda's education sector are keenly awaiting detailed guidance from the Ministry to ensur seamless transition for students advancing to A-Level under the new competence-based education system.
Source Parliament Of Uganda
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