CBC Producing More Creative, Critical Thinkers, UNEB Study Finds as 2025 UCE Results Released
Kampala, Uganda — Learners under the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) demonstrate stronger research skills, greater creativity, and more effective communication than their counterparts under the old content-based system, according to a major study by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
Releasing the 2025 UCE results on Thursday, UNEB chairperson Prof. Celestino Obua said the findings offer “clear and convincing” evidence that the CBC is delivering on its promise.
“The results confirm that the CBC is a strong, transformative curriculum, well-positioned to produce the type of Ugandans needed to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation and advance Uganda toward its middle-income status vision,” Prof. Obua said.
The board commissioned the comprehensive study following the 2024 examination cycle — the first under the new curriculum — to answer a central question: How do CBC learners differ from those trained under the former content-based model?
Researchers gathered perspectives from school administrators, teachers, and learners. Their findings show CBC students:
· Demonstrate strong research skills
· Can construct knowledge independently
· Are more creative and innovative
· Communicate more effectively
· Show improved critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Prof. Obua commended UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo and staff for their “dedication and professionalism,” noting that institutional capacity had significantly improved since 2024, when the board was “treading on new ground.”
He reiterated his belief, first stated last year, that the CBC is “a good and progressive reform” — a view now supported by empirical evidence.
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