Gov‘t urged to revise entry requirements for health education institutions

The Ministry of Education and Sports has been urged to consider revising the entry requirements for institutions for health education.

Based on the new ordinary level curriculum, for one to qualify to pursue a certificate in any course offered in health education institutions, they must have scored a minimum of a C in science subjects, which is an equivalent of a credit point.

Hon. Denes Sekabira (NUP, Katikamu County North) said that the new curriculum is limiting students who have not attained the credit point.

“It is self-defeating to allow students with passes in the old curriculum to enroll and yet in the new curriculum it is a C. I would propose that the ministry revisits the minimum score,” he said.

Mbale City Woman Representative, Hon. Connie Nakayenze also urged the ministry to consider including entry requirements for students who were examined using the old curriculum.

“There are some students who missed out exams in the previous years and sat for the national examinations using the old curriculum. These students are not catered for in the current enrollment,” she said.

The Minister of State for Education (Primary Education), Hon. Joyce Moriku said that the ministry is still open to further adjustments without compromising the quality of training.

“Following the new ordinary level curriculum and the new grading system, we came up with the minimum requirements. For example, for you to go for a certificate in nursing, you need to have a minimum of C in biology, chemistry and physics,” she said.

Moriku added that there is a complaint that physics is a difficult subject for a girl child and there is discussion to lower its minimum score.

“Our doors are open to discussion to take care of the private sector, parents and academia,” Moriku said.

The lawmakers also want the ministry to prioritise budgeting for grant aided primary and secondary schools in the 2025/2026 financial year.

This was after the Ministry of Education’s Principal Economist, Derrick Namisi told MPs that there are no funds provided in the 2025/2026 budget for grant aiding in parishes and sub counties without schools.

Hon. Nathan Itungo (Indep., Kashari South County) advised the ministry to consider a phased approach to budgeting for grant aided schools.

“When you completely close the door, I do not think it is proper. The resource envelope is small but it is achievable to budget for schools every financial year,” Itungo said.

Otuke East County MP, Hon. Julius Acon said it is discouraging to note that some sub counties and districts still do not have primary and secondary schools.

The ministry has a provisional list with 300 primary schools earmarked for grant aiding.

Abim District Woman MP, Hon. Janet Okori-Moe questioned the criteria that was used to select the schools.

“Some community primary schools in Abim have been in existence for 16 years but do not appear on the list, how we do this?” she asked.