Education leaders are intensifying calls for the swift formation of the National Teachers’ Council, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening professionalism in schools, improving learning outcomes, and safeguarding the credibility of national examinations. The demand has resurfaced following the release of the latest Primary Leaving Examination results.
Figures from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) indicate that candidates in 2025 registered better overall performance compared to 2024, particularly in foundational areas such as literacy and numeracy. Despite this general improvement, the number of pupils achieving the highest distinction — aggregate 4 — fell sharply.
Only 338 candidates reached aggregate 4 this year, while more than 77,000 of the 817,883 pupils who sat the exams did not meet the required pass mark. The mixed outcome has prompted fresh scrutiny of teaching effectiveness, learner preparedness, and the pressures schools face to deliver top grades.
Speaking during the official results release at State House Nakasero, UNEB Chairperson Prof. Celestine Obua acknowledged the gains but raised alarm over persistent examination malpractice. He observed that the race for outstanding results continues to push some institutions into dishonest practices that compromise the integrity of assessments.
Teacher representatives argue that the absence of a central professional regulator has left a gap in accountability. UNATU Secretary General Filbert Baguma says establishing the National Teachers’ Council would enable faster and more decisive action against educators involved in malpractice, instead of prolonged procedures that rarely yield firm consequences.
Baguma believes a functioning council would have the authority to discipline offenders promptly, setting clear standards of conduct and deterring misconduct. In his view, firm professional oversight would not only reduce cheating but also elevate the image of the teaching profession.
The National Teachers Bill, 2024 proposes the creation of the council and assigns the Minister of Education and Sports the role of appointing its members. It further requires teachers to engage in continuous professional development to keep pace with evolving educational demands.
However, union leaders caution that mandatory training could add financial pressure on teachers already grappling with modest salaries. Even so, education advocates maintain that structured regulation and ongoing skill development remain vital ingredients in delivering quality education and credible examination results nationwide.
