education 13 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Universities Accelerate Preparations for 2027 Competency-Based Curriculum Shift
Universities in Uganda are intensifying efforts to adopt the Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework by the 2027/2028 academic year, as directed by the Ministry of Education and Sports. Institutions are revising programs, training staff, and enhancing facilities to equip graduates with practical skills for the job market. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/varsities-race-to-meet-2027-new-curriculum-deadline-5422602
Ugandan higher education institutions are racing against time to implement the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by 2027, a major shift aimed at fostering practical skills, critical thinking, and job market readiness among graduates.
This reform stems from a Ministry of Education and Sports mandate requiring all tertiary institutions to transition to the Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework for the 2027/2028 academic year. It extends reforms from lower secondary levels introduced in 2020, with the first cohort set to enter universities in 2027.
Under the updated system, continuous assessments—including coursework, projects, and practicals—will make up 20% of final grades, with national exams covering the remaining 80%. Universities are updating curricula, training lecturers, forging industry ties, and improving infrastructure like labs and workshops.
Gulu University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. George Openjuru Ladaah, reports 80% readiness, with staff trained and programs under review by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Makerere University’s Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, claims 90% preparedness, building on existing student-centered approaches and investments in digital tools.
Mountain of the Moon University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pius Coxwell Achanga, has formed a transition committee and secured Shs 4 billion from German partners for agriculture pilots, estimating costs at Shs 3 billion. Kyambogo University’s Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya pegs readiness at 65-70%, citing infrastructure and staffing hurdles.
The Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum, led by Prof. Eriab Lugujjo, stresses that success hinges on funding, especially for private universities, alongside better industry collaboration and phased NCHE training. NCHE’s Saul Waigolo confirms guidelines are disseminated, with regional workshops training institutional reps amid ongoing challenges like equipment shortages.
With over 66 accredited universities, stakeholders emphasize government support for a seamless rollout.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)