Govt revamps teacher education with Unite programme

The Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Kataaha Museveni, has announced that the government is implementing reforms in teacher education to revamp the teaching profession and improve the quality of teachers in Uganda.

The announcement was made during the 12th graduation ceremony at the National Teachers College Kabale, where over 2,306 students graduated with diplomas in primary and secondary education, and early childhood education.

In a speech read on her behalf by Muzamiru Mukwatampola, the Commissioner in charge of Admissions, Scholarships, and Students’ Affairs (ASSA) in the Ministry of Education and Sports, the minister stated that the new education policies are outlined under the teacher policy approved by the government.

These reforms include the establishment of the Unite programme, which will transform all National Teachers Colleges into campuses of Unite.

She said the reforms are an opportunity for everyone in the education sector.

“The new reforms are real, and everyone should take advantage of them. These will help the government of Uganda, especially in improving the teacher policy that will shape great teachers," Minister Kataaha said.

Minister Janet Museveni also highlighted that with the establishment of Unite, the government is optimistic that the teaching profession will once again attract top scholars, as it did in the past.

“Reforms are underway to restore teaching’s past glory,” she added.

Professor Elly Katunguka Rwakishaya, chairman of the National Council for Higher Education, noted that as a leading institution in teacher education, they have been eagerly awaiting the commencement of the Unite programme.

“A lot of steps have been taken. Very soon, National Teachers Colleges will become campuses of Unite, and they will be degree-awarding institutions," Prof Katunguka stated.

Annet Komunda, principal of the National Teachers College Kabale, addressed the graduates, reminding them that teaching is the backbone of all professions and unique in its own way.

She emphasised the need for teachers to view their profession as a calling and highlighted the importance of promoting teamwork, hard work, commitment, and resilience, as teachers are key agents in society.

On July 5, Parliament passed a resolution for Unite campuses to be established at all National Teachers Colleges across the country, marking a significant step towards improving teacher education in Uganda.