700 students to sit for Ateso UCE exams

NGORA.

At least 700 students from various schools in Teso sub-region have registered to sit for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) Ateso language exams this year.

Previously shunned by the region’s academic giants, including Ngora High School and Teso College Aloet, the subject had been perceived as offering limited career prospects. But to signal a departure from the old mind-set, Mr. Martin Okiria, the Ngora High School head teacher, said: “Strong command of ones indigenous dialect is very vital for building a culturally vibrant people. We have been able to convince most parents that for a child to sit for this subject it does not mean losing out on future employment prospects,”

Candidates for the Ateso language exams will take it on November 21 throughout the gazetted Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) centres. 

Mr. Okiria said at Ngora High School alone, a total of 88 students had registered to sit for the UCE Ateso language papers this year. Other schools in the region offering the subject include Nyero Rock High School, Kanyumu Comprehensive S.S., Ngora Parents, Teso Progressive S.S., Atutur Seed S.S., Soroti S.S. and Bishop Ilukor Girls’ S.S. in Kumi. 

The proprietor Teso Integrated S.S., Mr. Charles Oyuruka said: “There is still a big gap in number of language professionals who can handle this subject. This is why some schools have not yet introduced teaching of the subject,” Mr. Oyuruka said.

Ngora district inspector of schools, Mr. Milton Okuna, said rigorous teaching of Ateso language at the lower primary would help in motivating more students to study the subject at O-Level and A-Level ordinary and advanced levels.