KAMPALA – Wilson Ssabavuma, a curriculum specialist at Uganda’s National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), has praised students from Makerere University’s College of Education and External Studies (CEES) for their innovative contributions to teacher training.
Speaking at the Open Day and Skills Expo organized by CEES students, Ssabavuma, who represented NCDC Director Dr. Grace K. Baguma, highlighted the critical role of higher education institutions in supporting the implementation of Uganda’s new curriculum. He noted that while the curriculum rollout has presented challenges for both students and teachers, innovative approaches are key to ensuring a competent workforce.
“We have all gone through the old curriculum, but this is the first time Uganda is making major education reforms. To remain relevant in both local and global economies, we must embrace these changes and transform our education system,” Ssabavuma stated.
He emphasized that the shift to a competence-based curriculum, which began in 2011 and was officially rolled out at the O-Level in 2020 and A-Level in 2024, is crucial for developing a skilled workforce.
During the expo, CEES students showcased a range of innovations designed to enhance learning under the new curriculum. Among them was Oliver Anyango, who developed an educational model explaining different types of unemployment. Her project breaks down structural and cyclical unemployment, detailing their causes, societal impact, and potential solutions.
“If adopted, this model can help students understand unemployment from a problem-solving perspective by clearly outlining causes and remedies,” Anyango explained.
Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu, Acting Principal of CEES, reiterated the college’s commitment to training educators who can effectively implement the new curriculum.
“We are collaborating with NCDC to train our lecturers, ensuring they are equipped to guide future teachers through these changes. Without well-trained trainers, it becomes difficult to produce competent graduates,” he said.
He further emphasized that CEES is actively conducting workshops and training sessions to help educators adapt to the evolving demands of the education sector.
Professor Robert Wamala, Acting Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships at Makerere University, also addressed the gathering, representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
“Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also ready for the evolving job market. Education today demands more than just theoretical knowledge—it requires hands-on, practical experiences,” he stated.
With ongoing efforts to modernize education and improve teacher training, Makerere University remains a key player in shaping Uganda’s future workforce.
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