Katakwi Sets Up Surveillance and Response Strategies to Manage Flood-Prone Areas During UCE Examinations
By Our Reporter
As Katakwi District commences the first day of the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, authorities have implemented surveillance measures and contingency plans to address delays caused by heavy rains and poor road conditions, particularly in flood-prone sub-counties such as Ngariam, Magoro, Ongogonja, and Palam.
The district hosts three examination centers: Ngariam, which includes Ngariam Seed School and Palam Seed School; Katakwi Center, comprising Ongogonja, Usuk SS, Priscilla SS, St. Paul Comprehensive, Katakwi High School, and Onset SS; and Toroma Center, which covers Kapujan Seed School, Toroma SS, Magoro Comprehensive SS, and Toroma Peas.
Joseph Opule, the district’s area supervisor, stated that to ensure smooth examination administration despite potential disruptions, they have arranged standby vehicles to transport exam papers to Karamoja board schools if necessary. He emphasized that head teachers have been briefed to make emergency calls to supervisors, scouts, and the UNEB center in Kampala in case of disasters.
Furthermore, there is a coordinated effort between schools and police authorities, with police vehicles on standby to assist in delivering and retrieving examination materials during floods, security threats, or fraud incidents.
Opule noted that the UCE examinations have started successfully, with a good turnout of candidates. He mentioned that in Ongogonja, Katakwi High School, Usuk SS, St. Stephen SS, St. Paul SS, Onset, and Priscilla Girls Secondary School, exams commenced at 9:00 am without any reported difficulties. All 70 registered candidates attended both morning and afternoon sessions.
James Stephen Engole, Headteacher of St. Stephen Senior Secondary School and Chairperson of Headteachers in Katakwi, reported that 878 candidates are sitting for the UCE, an increase of 150 students compared to last year’s 750. He noted full attendance at St. Stephen SS, where all 79 registered students sat for the exams, comprising 48 girls and 31 boys.
Isaac Tukei, Headteacher of Onset Secondary School, confirmed that all registered students attended Day One without issues. He highlighted that acquiring practice apparatus remains a challenge due to high costs and reliance on school fees, especially for private schools.
Peter Aguria, district supervisor for Ngariam and Palam, mentioned that the recent dry two days prevented any immediate challenges. However, he expressed concern that ongoing rains and poor road conditions could cause delays in the future.
James Opio, supervisor for Toroma, reported that out of 209 registered candidates across four schools in Kapujan community, 50 students at Toroma SS and 151 at Toroma Peas attended, while Magoro Comprehensive registered 61 candidates, with one girl absent. He stressed that bad roads caused by heavy rains pose a significant challenge but urged learners to support each other to complete the exams, warning that missing exams could result in students being required to resit or be placed in lower classes.
Emmanuel Ichila, Headteacher of Magoro Comprehensive Secondary School, revealed that the girl who was missing after registration has yet to be located.
However, Joseph Alileng, the district Inspector of Schools, expressed concerns over poor coordination between secondary schools and the education department. He stated that authorities are currently unaware of the exact total number of candidates across the district, which could affect examination administration.
The district continues to monitor weather and road conditions closely, ensuring measures are in place to facilitate the successful completion of the UCE examinations amidst challenging circumstances.
