Otuke District Sees Mixed Results in 2024 PLE: Division U and Division X Increase Amid Overall Improvement

The 2024 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results for Otuke District show mixed outcomes, with 254 candidates receiving Division U and 26 candidates placed in Division X, according to Patrick Ochero, the Senior Education Officer for the district.

In a phone interview on Thursday evening, Ochero expressed disappointment over the results, which have caused embarrassment for the local government.

Despite these setbacks, Otuke District saw improvements in overall performance. The district's 2024 results include; 20 pupils in Division 1, 671 pupils in Division 2, 404 pupils in Division 3, 223 pupils in Division 4, 254 pupils in Division U, while 26 pupils in Division X.

This gives Otuke a pass rate of 82%, a significant improvement compared to 2023, when the district recorded a pass rate of 76.4%.

Ochero attributed this progress to several efforts, including regular meetings with educational stakeholders, proper screening of candidates before promotion, and capacity building for teaching staff.

In comparison, the 2023 results showed 31 pupils in Division 1, 530 pupils in Division 2, 406 pupils in Division 3, 241 pupils in Division 4, 229 pupils in Division U, and 44 pupils in Division X.

“The improvements in 2024 are a result of a stronger focus on enhancing teaching quality and candidate preparation”, said Ocero.

He also praised the best-performing schools in Otuke District for 2024, including Aminbenyo P/S, Adwari P/S, Barjok P/S, BarLegi P/S, Ogoro P/S, Olilim P/S, Orum P/S, Oluru P/S, Aliwang P/S, Barjobi P/S, Amele P/S, and Bright Star P/S, among others.

However, Ochero acknowledged several challenges impacting education in Otuke District including the region's difficult accessibility, lack of parental involvement, insufficient teacher training, and poor infrastructure including dilapidated classrooms and staff quarters, aspects that are contributing to lower performance levels.

He also called on development partners, NGOs, and the government to help improve the district’s education system through capacity building and infrastructure development.

"We are making progress, but we still need more support to ensure a brighter future for our students," Ochero said.