education 18 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's New Curriculum Boosts Focus on Practical Skills in Schools
Uganda's competency-based curriculum is shifting educational focus towards practical and vocational training, equipping students with job-ready skills alongside traditional academics. This initiative aims to prepare learners for employment and entrepreneurship, addressing unemployment challenges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/new-curriculum-drives-schools-towards-practical-skills-5599662
Uganda’s secondary schools are increasingly embracing practical and vocational training, driven by the new competency-based curriculum. This educational shift emphasizes hands-on skills that learners can apply beyond the classroom, preparing them for future employment and entrepreneurial ventures.
Mengo Senior School in Kampala is a prime example, integrating Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into its offerings. The school is investing in facilities and programs to ensure students gain valuable competencies. Bishop Moses Banja of the Namirembe Diocese has called on church-founded institutions to adopt this curriculum, highlighting its potential to provide students with viable income-generating opportunities in a challenging job market.
“The certificate given to students who have acquired different skills will help them move forward in life,” Bishop Banja stated, emphasizing the practical benefits of vocational education. The new curriculum moves away from rote memorization towards a more holistic approach, focusing on knowledge, skills, values, and competencies.
Head teacher Dr. Grace Sebanakitta Nantajja affirmed Mengo Senior School’s commitment to developing well-rounded students. She noted that combining academic learning with practical training opens up diverse pathways for students after completing secondary school. However, the implementation of robust vocational programs requires significant investment in workshops, equipment, and qualified instructors.
Bishop Banja also urged parents to support schools in meeting the costs associated with these vital vocational programs, recognizing their long-term benefits for students. While celebrating academic achievements, the school also acknowledged students who excelled in science and arts, underscoring the importance of balancing academic rigor with practical skill development.
One student, Eric Kasibante, benefited from this dual focus, receiving an award that acknowledged his academic success and enabled him to secure government sponsorship for medicine at Soroti University. This highlights how the new curriculum fosters both academic excellence and practical preparedness.