St Mark’s College Namagoma students: Shafik Ssemusu (L) 20 pts and Linet Ayebale (R) 20pts celebrating with their parents
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Ugandan schools have been ranked based on average points scored in the 2026 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), with St Juliana High School Gayaza emerging as the top performer nationally.
According to the latest rankings, the Wakiso-based school led the country with an impressive average of 17.4 points from 67 candidates. The highest score attained at the school was 20 points, while the lowest candidate scored 14 points, underscoring consistent excellence across the cohort.
Cornerstone Leadership Academy Nakasongola secured the second position with 49 candidates, registering an average score of 16.5 points. The school also posted a maximum score of 20 points, while its lowest candidate scored 11 points.
Other notable top performers in the Buganda region include St Mary’s College Namagunga, Central College Mityana, and Gayaza High School, all maintaining strong academic traditions.
Across the regions, the rankings highlight continued academic competitiveness nationwide. In Ankole, Ntare School led the pack, while St Andrea Kahwa’s College Hoima topped Bunyoro. In Busoga, Viva College School Wairaka emerged the best, as Bukedea Comprehensive School dominated in Teso. Kigezi College Butobere was ranked top in Kigezi region.
District-level rankings further showcased excellence in science education. Paidha Secondary School was named best in Zombo, while Ocer Campion Jesuit College led in Gulu. In Butalejja, Mulagi Girls Secondary School topped, as Bududa Secondary School led in Elgon. Morulem Girls Secondary School was best in Abim, Karamoja, while Akii Bua Secondary School and Standard High School Nyamwamba topped Lango and Rwenzori respectively.
The rankings are based on average class performance, offering a more balanced assessment of school output.
A total of 166,400 candidates registered for the 2025 UACE examinations, marking a 17.2 percent increase from 2024. Of these, 43.7 percent were female and 56.3 percent male. According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), 68.6 percent of candidates qualified for university admission, an improvement from 65.5 percent in 2024.
The results reflect both growing access to education and rising academic standards across Uganda.
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