Uganda Releases Results for Health Professionals Assessment as Pass Rates Remain High

On 6 March 2026, the Government of Uganda officially released the December 2025 assessment results for health professionals, with a strong overall performance recorded among candidates at both certificate and diploma levels.

The results were released by the Uganda Health Professions Assessment Board (UPHAB) during an event officiated by the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, who commended the board and training institutions for strengthening the country’s health workforce.

Candidate Statistics

According to the board’s executive report, a total of 19,042 candidates registered for assessment. Certificate programs accounted for the majority of candidates, with 13,665 trainees (71.8%), while 5,377 candidates (28.2%) registered under diploma programs.

Gender distribution showed a higher number of female candidates. 12,989 candidates (68.2%) were female, while 6,053 (31.8%) were male.

Certificate Program Performance

Out of the 13,665 candidates who registered for certificate assessments:

• 13,089 candidates passed, representing a 95.8% pass rate.

• 2,469 candidates (17.6%) passed with distinction.

• 9,998 candidates (73.2%) obtained credit.

• 622 candidates (4.6%) passed at the ordinary pass level.

However, 215 candidates (1.6%) failed to meet the minimum pass mark and will be required to retake the failed papers when next offered. Additionally, 361 candidates (2.6%) were absent during the assessments.

Training institutions have been tasked with contacting absentee candidates and encouraging them to complete their studies.

Diploma Program Performance

For diploma programs, 5,377 candidates registered for the assessments.

• 4,469 candidates passed, translating to an 83.2% pass rate.

• 188 candidates (3.5%) achieved distinction.

• 3,600 candidates (67%) passed with credit.

• 681 candidates (12.7%) obtained a pass.

Meanwhile, 720 candidates (13.5%) failed and will have the opportunity to retake their examinations. 184 candidates were absent during the assessments.

Trends in Health Training

The assessment board noted an increasing trend of male candidates enrolling in nursing programs, which have traditionally attracted more female students. Officials say this reflects growing interest among men in the nursing profession.

The board also assessed the first cohort of candidates under newly introduced advanced diploma programs, including:

• Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing

• Advanced Diploma in Emergency Care Nursing

These programs are part of competency-based curricula launched during the National Health Professions Education and Training and Health Care Conference in Jinja.

Meanwhile, the Certificate in Comprehensive Nursing program has been fully phased out following recommendations from the Ministry of Health.

Scholarships Boost Enrollment

Officials also reported a significant 85.7% increase in trainee enrollment in the Diploma in Pediatric and Child Health Nursing, partly attributed to government-supported tuition scholarships.

Additional scholarships were also extended to students pursuing:

• Advanced Diploma in Public Health Nursing

• Advanced Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing

Government Commitment to Health Training

While releasing the results, Minister Janet Museveni highlighted government efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act 2025.

She noted that the number of candidates assessed had increased by 22.8%, reflecting growing interest in health training programs.

The minister also revealed that the government is investing in infrastructure improvements at health training institutions, including new student hostels and classroom facilities.

Call to Serve with Integrity

Addressing successful candidates, Museveni urged them to treat their profession as a calling rather than merely a career.

She encouraged them to uphold values of patriotism, compassion, care, and innovation as they begin serving communities across the country.

“Health care is a service you are called to provide, not just a job to pursue,” she said.

The minister also encouraged candidates who did not pass their assessments not to lose hope, urging them to retake the examinations and take advantage of future opportunities.

“With perseverance and commitment, success is still within reach,” she noted.