education 26 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Ugandan Universities Urged to Prioritize Skills Over Transcripts

The Ugandan government is pushing for a shift in higher education, urging universities to adopt Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) to equip graduates with practical skills relevant to the job market. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-to-universities-deliver-skills-not-just-transcripts-5475032

The Ministry of Education and Sports in Uganda is calling for a significant reform in higher education, emphasizing the need for universities to produce graduates with practical, job-ready skills rather than just academic transcripts. Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda has directed institutions to accelerate the adoption of Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET).

Dr. Turyagyenda stated that the era of “business as usual” is over, and universities must transition from knowledge-based learning to a more hands-on approach. This shift requires educators to “unlearn, learn, and relearn” to meet the evolving demands of the labor market. The directive follows guidance from the Minister of Education and Sports, Ms. Janet Museveni, who mandated that all universities and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) begin training faculty to implement the new curriculum.

The push for CBET was highlighted during the launch of the EU-funded PLEDGE project, aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry. The €1 million project focuses on developing competence-based learning in green-growth sectors like tourism, coffee, and horticulture.

NCHE Executive Director, Prof. Mary Okwakol, described CBET as a vital strategy for enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education. The approach focuses on practical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the real-world application of knowledge. NCHE has already begun disseminating CBET standards and conducting capacity-building training for academic staff across various institutions.

However, universities have expressed concerns about the financial commitment required for this transition. Mountains of the Moon University, for example, estimates needing Shs4 billion to retool staff and upgrade infrastructure to support the new model. Ensuring clear learning outcomes and completion rates will be crucial in demonstrating the effectiveness of the new approach.