The number of pupils who failed the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in Soroti City increased in 2024 compared to the previous year.
According to Simon Opolot, the Soroti City Inspector of Schools, 245 pupils failed the exams, while 27 did not sit for them.
This was an increase from 2023, where 233 pupils failed and 25 did not take the exams.
Opolot attributed this decline in performance to several factors, including a lack of parental support.
He explained that some pupils attend school without the necessary requirements, which hinders their ability to focus and perform well academically.
Additionally, irregular attendance and child labor have contributed to the problem, as some pupils are forced to help their parents with business activities after school hours.
Hunger is another pressing issue, as some schools do not provide lunch, leaving children unable to concentrate during lessons.
Another factor highlighted by Opolot was the nature of the examinations set by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
The exams demand a high level of critical thinking, which many pupils struggle to develop due to outdated teaching methods.
To address these challenges, Opolot called upon parents to take an active role in their children’s education by providing the necessary materials, ensuring they have proper meals, and allowing them adequate time to rest.
He also encouraged teachers to adopt modern teaching approaches that emphasize critical thinking rather than cramming.
Furthermore, he urged the community to support children spiritually and emotionally.
Opolot assured that the Soroti City education department is committed to working closely with schools and parents to identify solutions that will enhance the overall education standards in the city.
He emphasized the importance of regular parent and teacher meetings to generate ideas that could help improve academic performance.
Despite the challenges, some candidates performed well.
Soroti City registered 3,171 candidates for the PLE in 2024. Of these, 384 pupils scored Division One, 1,690 achieved Division Two, 606 earned Division Three, and 219 got Division Four.
However, the 245 failures and 27 absentees underline the need for urgent intervention to ensure every child has an opportunity to succeed academically.
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