Uganda, Feb. 4 -- I remember entering the head teacher's office. My heart was beating several beats in a moment. I was not sure what to expect. When I got my results, I was relieved. At least my mother would not be disappointed and there was a good chance I would get into my first choice school.

That is all that mattered at that time because my dear mother was a civil servant who could not afford to get me a school, if my grades failed me. Last week, many social media platforms were awash with results from the primary leaving examinations. Some were excitedly sharing their children's scores, while others wept because of the poor grades.

When you are 12 or 13 years of age, it does not matter what the adults think or say. You are signific...