KCCA HONORS TOP PLE STUDENTS WITH AWARDS

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has recognized the top two students from its public primary schools who excelled in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The outstanding students, Collins Kigenyi from St. Peter’s Nsambya Boys and Murungi Gabriella from Nsambya Girls, both scored an impressive aggregate of six.

During a special KCCA Council sitting held on Thursday, the two students were awarded certificates of appreciation and a cash reward of UGX 1 million each. The event was attended by their teachers and parents, highlighting KCCA’s commitment to celebrating academic excellence in public schools.

Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago commended the students for their exceptional performance but expressed concern over the overall results from KCCA schools. “We had initially intended to award pupils who scored aggregate four, but since no student in our schools attained that score, we had to adjust the criteria,” he said.

KCCA oversees 79 public primary schools, but their performance in the 2024 PLE has raised concerns among city leaders. According to Olive Namazzi, the Executive Secretary for Social Services, a total of 31,700 pupils sat for the PLE in 2024, yet only 8,251 managed to pass in Division One.

Lord Mayor Lukwago pointed out the challenges facing KCCA schools, particularly the inadequate capitation grant, which currently stands at UGX 8,900 per pupil. He urged the Ministry of Education and Sports to intervene and improve funding to enhance performance in public schools.

The event also marked the first time the newly appointed Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki and her Deputy Benson Kigenyi attended the KCCA Council sitting.

In her remarks, Buzeki pledged her unwavering support for the Council in its efforts to improve education and other essential services in the city. “The top leadership is fully aware of the environment and the importance of this Council. We pledge our continued support to better the lives of our people,” she stated.

Kigenyi echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort between KCCA and the Council to enhance service delivery. “We are glad to be part of KCCA and to contribute to the development of our city. We look forward to a smooth working relationship with the Council,” he said.

KCCA Deputy Speaker and other council members also expressed optimism about improved collaboration, particularly in tackling challenges facing public education in Kampala.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer