At Makerere University, entry into the Bachelor of Laws programme remains highly competitive. New results from the pre-entry examination show a low pass rate across all categories, reinforcing the test as one of the toughest academic gateways in Uganda’s higher education system. Data from the Office of the Academic Registrar shows that 2,314 candidates sat the examination on April 18.
Only 270 candidates scored the minimum 50 percent required for consideration, translating to an overall pass rate of 11.7 percent. The A-Level category carried the largest weight in the intake. Out of 2,128 candidates who sat the exam, 234 passed, a pass rate of 11 percent. Scores ranged from a high of 72 percent to a low of 13 percent. Eighty-three candidates did not appear for the examination.
Among diploma holders, many coming from the Law Development Centre, 100 candidates sat the exam while one was absent. Only 11 passed, which is an 11 percent pass rate. The highest score in this group stood at 66 percent. Degree holders recorded comparatively stronger results. Out of 70 who sat, 16 passed, translating to a 22.9 percent pass rate. Two candidates were absent, and the lowest score recorded stood at 12 percent.
Mature-age entrants delivered the strongest performance. Of the 16 candidates who sat, 9 passed, giving a 56.3 percent pass rate. One candidate was absent. Scores ranged from 74 percent to 30 percent.
Candidates who scored 50 percent and above have been advised to proceed to the admissions stage, but must formally apply and include law among their programme choices.
Those who failed have a two-week window to appeal. “Candidates who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of release of results,” the university stated. The Pre-Entry Examination was introduced in 2012 as a major reform to tighten admission standards into Makerere University’s Bachelor of Laws programme. Before its introduction, admission was based almost entirely on candidates’ A-Level results or their equivalent.
However, university authorities observed a worrying decline in the overall quality of law students despite rising national performance at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), where top-performing students with excellent grades were being selected. This paradox, coupled with surging demand for legal education, prompted Makerere to introduce a standardised aptitude test that assesses comprehension, logical reasoning, and writing ability.
Still, competition for law studies at Makerere remains intense. The institution has long trained some of Uganda’s most influential legal professionals, including chief justices, attorneys general, and senior advocates. Each year, thousands apply for limited slots, but only a small fraction progress beyond the pre-entry stage-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
