The proposal to scrap off the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) which has been administered annually since 1966 by the Uganda National Examinations Board to pupils at the end of their primary level has receive various reactions from stakeholders. This was proposed by the National Planning Authority which says it should be replaced with school-based continuous assessments and the National Assessment of Progress in Education (NAPE). We have a report.

One of the Head teachers, Suuna Ronald of The Good Shepherd School Nabweru, a primary and nursery school in Wakiso district, says that scrapping off PLE will help students find themselves without being limited by the exams.

Different students expressed their opinions about the education reforms. Farida Nalwoga, a parent says PLE should not be abolished since it gives morale to school children to read their books and teachers to put efforts while doing their work.

Another parent, Atuhura Laira says that it only by seeing other students celebrate victory that fellow students are encouraged to be focused and therefor Primary Leaving Examinations are important.

The general secretary of Uganda Teacher’s National Union Filbert Baguma says there is need to refocus from teaching learners to pass exams to producing children who will be self-reliant after their education.

He added that training learners to shine in exams is different from nurturing them to uncover their true selves and do their best.

Others stakeholders that have added a voice towards scrapping off PLE include World Bank and Uwezo, an education-focused non-governmental organization.