The government is accelerating plans to introduce competence-based learning in primary schools across the country as part of wider education reforms aimed at equipping learners with practical skills, creativity, and innovation from an early age.
The initiative follows the ongoing implementation of the revised lower secondary school curriculum, which was rolled out in 2020 to shift Uganda’s education system away from rote learning and examination-driven memorisation.
Speaking during the handover of newly renovated facilities at Bukoto Muslim Primary School in Nakawa Division, Kampala, on Thursday, the Commissioner for Basic Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms Safina Mutumba, said the ministry is actively reviewing the primary school curriculum to align it with the national competenceo-based education agenda.
‘Uganda is currently placing great emphasis on the Competence-Based Curriculum, which requires learners to actively participate in the learning process through creativity, innovation, and practical application of knowledge,’ Ms Mutumba said.
According to Ms Mutumba, the ministry has already developed a competence-based pre-primary curriculum, which is currently being piloted in select schools, while work is underway to complete the revision of the primary cycle.
The reforms are expected to prepare learners with practical skills to solve real-life challenges and improve their readiness for further education and subsequent employment in a competitive job market.
However, Ms Mutumba noted that the successful implementation of the hands-on approach will heavily rely on improvements in school infrastructure and learning environments. She explained that the newly renovated facilities at Bukoto Muslim Primary School would help improve access to quality education, reduce classroom congestion, and create a more conducive environment for learning.
‘Children appreciate and thrive in beautiful, conducive learning environments, and I am certain they are excited to see their school transformed,’ she said.
The commissioner commended the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), development partners, contractors, and the local community for contributing to the school’s transformation.
She also challenged school administrators across the country to adopt innovative, low-cost approaches to address infrastructure deficits instead of waiting entirely on central government funding.
Reflecting on concerns raised by the school leadership regarding the lack of a perimeter fence, Ms Mutumba encouraged the administration to explore environmentally friendly solutions that promote resourcefulness.
‘Some schools have used recycled plastic bottles to construct sections of perimeter fences. Such initiatives not only improve the school environment but also promote innovation and environmental awareness among learners,’ Ms Mutumba suggested.
Established in 1935, Bukoto Muslim Primary School is one of the oldest educational institutions in Nakawa Division. Crucially, it stands out as one of the few public schools in Kampala that provide inclusive education for learners with special needs, specifically visual impairments.
The KCCA Executive Director, Ms Sharifah Buzeki, described the renovation of the school as a significant milestone towards promoting inclusive and quality education in the city.
Ms Buzeki recalled visiting the school during last year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations and being struck by the dilapidated state of the infrastructure.
‘While my eyes were directed towards the ceremony, my mind was fixed on the state of the school infrastructure. I saw the concern and pain in the hearts of the leaders gathered here. They deeply desired a better learning environment for the children,’ Ms Buzeki said.
‘If Uganda is to develop, this is the spirit we need-a spirit of lifting others up and ensuring that no one is left behind,’ said Sharifah Buzeki, KCCA Executive Director.
Ms Buzeki praised the unique culture of inclusion at the school, noting that sighted learners willingly support and guide their visually impaired peers. She added that the school has offered specialised support to visually impaired learners since establishing its dedicated special needs unit in 1997.
The renovation project was financed by Universal Multipurpose Enterprise as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. The company’s Managing Director, Mr Muffaddal Yeolawala, pledged continued support to Uganda’s education sector.
‘Education is key to development. We pledge to continue supporting education because these children are the future of our community,’ Mr Yeolawala said.
The Nakawa Division Mayor, Mr Ali Bukeni, popularly known as Nubian Li, emphasized that upgrading school infrastructure remains critical to achieving better learning outcomes in urban public schools.
‘When we talk about building a better Uganda, we must start with our schools. Education is the greatest equaliser, but children need a safe, clean, and inspiring learning environment,’ Mr Bukeni said.
The headteacher of Bukoto Muslim Primary School, Ms Aidah Nabwami, welcomed the renovation of classrooms and learning facilities, describing it as a major boost to teaching and morale.
‘The improved infrastructure will provide a safer and more conducive environment for learners, including children with visual impairments who attend the school,’ Ms Nabwami said.
Despite these challenges, Ms Nabwami expressed optimism that continued support from government agencies, corporate partners, and civil society stakeholders will help transform the school further and match the requirements of the upcoming curriculum shift.