From Engineering Machines to Shaping Minds: Nakakande's Teaching Journey

Hadijah Nakakande’s path wasn’t what she initially envisioned. While she trained as an electrical engineer, destined perhaps for factory floors and complex machinery, her true calling emerged in the classroom. For a quarter of a century, Nakakande has dedicated herself to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), transforming into a principal and a passionate advocate.

Her peers at Uganda Technical College Masaka recognized her aptitude for explanation early on. They often sought her help to grasp difficult concepts after lessons, foreshadowing the educator she would become. This natural ability to connect with and guide learners became the bedrock of her career.

Nakakande views TVET not as a fallback for less academically inclined students, but as a crucial component of economic infrastructure and daily life. She believes it equips young people with practical skills essential for self-sufficiency and contributes to a more sustainable economy. Her work focuses on preparing the next generation for the demands of the modern workforce and fostering a mindset of innovation.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Nakakande is championing the value of technical education, demonstrating its power to drive individual success and broader economic development in Uganda.