The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has reported notable improvements in the performance of candidates in key science subjects — Biology, Mathematics and Chemistry — in the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examination results released on Friday, March 13, 2026.
According to the results, the percentage of candidates who achieved a principal pass level (A to E) in Biology increased to 64.4% from 57.7% in 2024. Meanwhile, those achieving the highest grade (A) in Biology rose sharply to 5.9% compared with 1.1% the previous year.
In Chemistry, UNEB data shows that 56.3% of candidates attained principal pass grades, up from 40.0% in 2024. Similarly, those who secured a grade A in Chemistry increased to 5.4% from 2.1% last year.
Mathematics was also among the improved subjects, with the principal pass rate rising to 64.8% from 48.1% in the previous cycle. The proportion of candidates scoring an A grade in Mathematics surged to 12.9%, from 3.6% in 2024.
The increases in these core subjects are widely expected to expand opportunities for students wishing to pursue careers in fields such as medicine, engineering and other science‑related disciplines that require strong foundations in Biology, Mathematics and Chemistry.
However, UNEB also reported a decline in Physics performance. The percentage of candidates passing Physics at the principal level dropped to 55.7% from 57.3% a year earlier, and the number attaining the highest grade (A) fell to 3.5% from 6.6% in 2024.
Releasing the results in Kampala, UNEB Executive Director Dr Dan Odongo said that overall performance in science subjects and Mathematics has improved compared with humanities subjects, where challenges persist, particularly in the interpretation of questions and conceptual application.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni praised the performance of female students, especially in science subjects, noting a rising trend of girls taking and excelling in traditionally male‑dominated subjects.
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“I’m pleased to note the good performance by girls and congratulate them. I’m particularly impressed by the steady increase in the number of girls taking on science subjects, and they have done very well,” she remarked during the announcement.
Education analysts welcomed the improvements, but they also emphasized the need for enhanced teacher preparation, resource investment and hands‑on laboratory experiences to sustain and build on the gains. A recent Monitor report noted calls from educators for more rigorous preparation under the new A‑Level curriculum being rolled out across the country.
Despite strong performance in several subjects, analysts caution that continued efforts are needed to address weaknesses in areas such as Physics, and to ensure that quality education reaches all regions and school types.
UNEB’s release of the 2025 UACE results follows a year in which the number of candidates registering for the examination increased significantly, indicating rising participation at the advanced secondary level.
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