education 15 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Trinity College Nabbingo Student Highlights Key Factors for Science Success
Grace Amani Katoro, a top performer in Physics, attributes her success to well-equipped labs, computer access, and dedicated teachers, emphasizing collaboration and research. Her school actively combats science phobia among girls. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/education/how-learners-are-supported-to-perform-well-in-sciences-5497112
Success in science subjects like Physics is achievable with the right support systems, according to top-performing students and educators.
Grace Amani Katoro, a 17-year-old from Trinity College Nabbingo, recently recognized for her Physics prowess, credits her achievement to a combination of hard work, advanced laboratories, and accessible teachers. She highlighted the effectiveness of group assignments, research using the computer laboratory, and frequent practical experiments.
“We have many science teachers who are available and we often conduct practical experiments frequently,” Katoro shared, emphasizing the importance of readily available resources and teacher guidance. Her school, Trinity College Nabbingo, has implemented strategies to encourage girls in science, aiming to dispel the notion that these fields are exclusively for boys. Headteacher Immaculate Nassozi Lwanga mentioned inviting female role models and past students to inspire current learners.
“Fighting phobia around sciences telling them that they’re doable. We have also attracted female role models to come and engage students including old students who have gone through the system,” Ms. Nassozi Lwanga explained.
Beyond school-level initiatives, national competitions like the Uganda National Physics Contest play a crucial role. Dr. Nelson Ndugu, the contest’s national coordinator, noted that such events help students identify and address their weaknesses. He also stressed the value of extracurricular activities like science clubs and debate clubs in fostering analytical and innovative skills.
Educators and union representatives also point to systemic needs. Vincent Elong, chairperson of the Uganda Professional Science Teachers Union (UPTU), stressed the need for improved infrastructure and equipment in addition to competitive teacher salaries. Uganda currently faces a significant shortage of science teachers, with ratios in some government-aided schools reaching 1:90, far exceeding the recommended 1:40.
The government’s ongoing push to boost science education, including efforts to recruit and retain more science teachers and provide resources like science kits, aims to address these challenges and foster economic development through STEM.