Makerere University has stepped forward to claim credit for the recent improvement in biology performance in the national examinations, citing its research and interventions targeting longstanding weaknesses in the subject.
Data released by the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) show a marked improvement in biology results, with the proportion of candidates attaining principal passes (grades A to E) rising to 64.4 per cent in 2025, up from 57.7 per cent in 2024.
Top A grades also registered a significant increase, rising to about 5.6–5.9 per cent from 1.1 per cent the previous year, reflecting stronger outcomes in biology alongside gains in other science subjects such as mathematics and chemistry.
Researchers under the Uganda National Biology Society at Makerere University say the improvement stems from a study that examined persistent poor performance in biology and proposed reforms in teaching methods, school support systems and curriculum alignment.
Prof Fredrick Muyodi said the research sought to identify the root causes of weak performance in Uneb assessments at both Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) levels.
“For several years, there was concern that learners in Uganda were performing poorly in biology during national exams, which prompted Makerere to carry out a study of the problem and come up with lasting solutions,” he said.
Muyodi made the remarks as the university unveiled its strategic plan for the 2025/2026–2029/2030 period. He noted that the study found biology teaching to be largely theoretical, with limited practical and field-based learning.
It also highlighted challenges such as inadequate laboratory facilities, insufficient teaching materials and limited digital access in many schools. The findings mirror issues that have consistently been flagged in Uneb reports over the years.
The study further pointed to low student engagement with real-life applications of biology and gaps between curriculum design and assessment. Muyodi said the findings informed targeted engagements with teachers, schools and education stakeholders, which helped shape interventions linked to the improved performance seen in the 2025 UACE results and earlier gains.
He, however, cautioned that sustained investment in laboratory infrastructure, teacher training and school resources is necessary to ensure long-term progress. According to Muyodi, the study covered four regions, 100 districts and engaged more than 5,000 stakeholders.
However, the university’s claim of direct influence on national results may attract scrutiny due to limited empirical evidence linking specific interventions to the performance gains.
Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, head of zoology, entomology and fisheries at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), said the study found that the northern and eastern regions remain the most affected, although the challenges are nationwide.
He added that irregular school attendance, particularly in the Karamoja sub-region, continues to affect student performance. Kawooya also noted that teachers highlighted the need for more practical training and innovative teaching approaches.
While UACE biology results showed clear improvement, UCE results were mixed. Uneb data indicate that the proportion of candidates scoring grade A at O-level declined from 1.9 per cent in 2024 to 1.3 per cent in 2025, while grade B dropped from 16.7 per cent to 14.6 per cent. However, failure rates improved, with candidates scoring grade E reducing from 2.3 per cent to 0.6 per cent.
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