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Prof Nawangwe calls for competency-based training as Education Minister warns of clueless teachers
Makerere University Acting Director Research Innovation and Partnership Prof Robert Wamala delivering the Vice Chancellor Prof Nawangwe's speech at the CEES and Open Day yesterday
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Prof Nawangwe highlighted the importance of producing teachers who can effectively teach students practical skills, rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge as was common in the previous curriculum
The Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, has called on lecturers, particularly those from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), to place greater emphasis on competency-based training in line with Uganda's new secondary curriculum.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the University’s acting Director of Research, Innovation, and Partnership, Prof Robert Wamala, at the CEES Skills Expo and Open Day on Friday, March 14, Prof Nawangwe highlighted the importance of producing teachers who can effectively teach students practical skills, rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge as was common in the previous curriculum.
“As a University committed to teaching, research, and community engagement, this event aligns perfectly with our vision of producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also fit for purpose in the evolving job market,” Prof Nawangwe said.
He added, “The changing global landscape demands that educational institutions go beyond theoretical instruction and embrace practical, hands-on learning experiences that equip students with the skills relevant to the demands of the 21st century.”
These remarks came shortly after Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education, Ms Janet Museveni, raised concerns about universities continuing to graduate teachers who are unprepared to teach using the new competence-based curriculum.
During the release of the 2024 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exam results, Ms Museveni noted, “It is undesirable for universities to continue graduating teachers who cannot utilize competence-based, learner-centered curricula. To resolve this, the academic staff who train these teachers must realign their teaching methods to become competence-based and learner-centered.”
In 2020, the government rolled out the new Lower Secondary Curriculum, which focuses on instilling practical skills in students to address the growing concerns of unemployment and the gap in solving societal problems. The first cohort of learners under this curriculum sat for their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams last year and have since advanced to A-Level, where the new curriculum has also been introduced.
Makerere University Acting Director Research Innovation and Partnership Prof Robert Wamala who represented the Vice Chancellor Prof Nawangwe at the CEES Expo touring the students stalls yesterday
Ms Museveni further urged teachers and parents to support learners as they navigate the revised curriculums. “The A-Level curriculum has been aligned to the Lower Secondary Curriculum by making it competency-based and learner-centered. In making it competence-based, the emphasis is not only on the acquisition of knowledge but also on translating this knowledge into valuable skills, values, and attitudes,” she said.
She added, “This alignment of the A-Level Curriculum is intended to make learning interactive, emphasizing problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation—skills that are essential for addressing real-life challenges.”
Prof Nawangwe, who agreed with the Minister’s statement, reiterated the importance of training teachers in a competency-based framework to achieve the goals set out in the new curriculums.
The Skills Expo and Open Day, he explained, serves as a bridge between academia and industry. It offers students an opportunity to showcase their skills and innovations in education, digital learning, and vocational training, while engaging with potential employers to better understand workplace expectations.
“To our students, this is your chance to demonstrate your capabilities, learn from industry leaders, and take bold steps toward shaping your future careers. Seize this opportunity to gain insights, refine your skills, and make meaningful connections,” Prof Nawangwe encouraged.
Dr Wilson Ssabavuma, who represented the Director of the National Curriculum Development Centre at the event, commended students for presenting home-grown innovations. He challenged them to stay responsive to trends in education to train learners who can effectively address the challenges of the 21st century.
In his speech, Prof Anthony Mugaga, the CEES Principal, emphasized that the expo reflects the university’s commitment to adopting the new competency-based curriculum, which focuses on equipping learners with practical skills.
