Education
Dissemination of Pedagogical Leadership of Academic Staff in Higher Education Institutions to Enhance Graduate Work Readiness and Transition to Work (PLASHE-WIL)
By Nuwagaba John
On Thursday 3th December, 2020, a project titled Pedagogical Leadership of Academic Staff in Higher Education Institutions to Enhance Graduate Work Readiness and Transition to Work (PLASHE-WIL) held a Dissemination Event at Makerere University. The Principal Investigator (PI) of the PLASHE-WIL project is Dr. Ronald Bisaso, Associate Professor and Dean, East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development (EASHESD), College of Education and External Studies (CEES). The project team members include: Dr. Rovincer Najjuma, Co-PI and Senior Lecturer, Department of Foundations and Curriculum Studies, Dr. Florence Nakamanya, Lecturer, EASHESD, Assoc. Prof. Proscovia Namubiru Ssentamu, Uganda Management Institute (UMI), Dr. Pius C. Achanga, Director, Quality Assurance and Accreditation at the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), and Dr. Hamis Mugendawala, Head, Policy Research and Innovation, National Planning Authority (NPA). Other expert members are: Professor Christopher B. Mugimu, Foundations and Curriculum Studies, Dr. Joseph Kimoga, Assoc. Professor, EASHESD and Dr. David Onen, Senior Lecturer, EASHESD in CEES. The event started with a prayer led by Dr. Rovincer Najjuma. Dr. Florence Nakamanya who was the moderator welcomed members to the dissemination and gave a preamble of the PLASHE-WIL project.
The event was graced by distinguished stakeholders who attended both physically and virtually. These included; the Guest of Honour – Professor Mary J.N. Okwakol, the Executive Director, National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), Dr. Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, the Principal CEES, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Director, Directorate of Quality Assurance, Makerere University, Dr. Robinah Kulabako, Member of the Grants Management Committee (GMC) Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and Dr. David Kabugo, Coordinator, Centre for Teaching and Learning Support, CEES. A range of stakeholders from the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA), the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA), NCHE, the Directorate of Human Resources (DHR), Makerere University student representatives, academic leaders and staff from different universities attended the dissemination.
Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi in his remarks, welcomed the stakeholders. He congratulated the team led by Dr. Ronald Bisaso for ensuring that the School is continually productive. He noted that dissemination was a form of accountability and portrays transparency. He applauded the PLASHE-WIL Project Team for entrenching stakeholder engagement in the conception, team composition, conducting the study and the dissemination that attracted higher education experts, students, the private sector, media, student leaders, and academic staff. He informed stakeholders that CEES was committed to more such engagements in the areas of higher education, secondary education, adult education among others. He thanked the Government of Uganda through Mak-RIF for the financial support and guidance in research output reporting.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Professor Mary J.N. Okwakol noted that the involvement of NCHE as a strategic partner in the implementation of the PLASHE-WIL project was anchored on the need to promote the Teaching Excellence Agenda in the Uganda Higher Education system. Realisation of such an important milestone would be through strengthening pedagogical competences of academic staff in the Higher Education sub-sector. Prof. Okwakol further observed that, the key deliverable in this project was a Pedagogical Leadership Programme for training academic staff in universities in Uganda because the Higher Education sub-sector needs pedagogical competent academic staff! The Executive Director, NCHE was equally delighted by the involvement of several partners including Makerere University, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the National Planning Authority (NPA). She noted that, the fact that the findings of the PLASHE-WIL project were based on perspectives of students, academic staff (mainly early career academics), employers, pedagogical leadership facilitators and curriculum leaders, the partnership availedfavourable conditions for uptake of research findings and presented opportunity for policy options which has been a missing link in many innovative endeavours. Prof. Okwakol informed the stakeholders that NCHE sees great potential for creating a critical mass of professional pedagogical leaders in Uganda’s Higher Education system who are not only competent in didactics but also able to integrate graduate work readiness and transition to work skills in teaching and learning processes. She congratulated the PI – Dr. Ronald Bisaso and Team for the great job done. She challenged the team to ensure that they empower lecturers into both good teaching and research in addition to ensuring gender inclusive interventions. She thanked the Government of Uganda through Mak-RIF for funding research on a topical issue and indeed an issue of concern. She officially opened the Dissemination Event.
Dr. Ronald Bisaso, the PI in his presentation recognized the generosity of the Government of the Republic of Uganda through Mak-RIF that funded the PLASHE-WIL Project. He gave the PLASHE-WIL Project overview by noting that there is a graduate employability skill deficiency where 63% of Uganda graduates are unemployable, according to the employers, and that the existing pre-labour market education or training is inadequate (IUCEA, 2014 p.54-55). He observed that the ‘covenant between education and employment is broken’ and the ‘lack of linkage between the training institutions and potential employers’ was articulated in the outgoing National Development Plan II (2015/16-2019/2020, p.39).
To further illuminate the challenge, the PI historicized Higher Education Pedagogy in Makerere University noting that, Pedagogical Skills training was initiated in 1979 because “university lecturers lacked teaching skills and, as a result, some of them were doing a really bad job.” (Ssebuwufu, 2017 p.478). This culminated into the establishment of the Department of Higher Education at Makerere University (now the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development). One of the downsides of developing pedagogical capacities of academic staff was the dependence on initiatives funded by development partners e.g. the European Union, Carnegie etc. with ramifications for sustainability. However, in July 2018, Makerere University invested her own resources in pedagogical skills training for Assistant Lecturers (Early Career Academics). This was coordinated by the Directorate of Human Resources and the College of Education and External Studies (through the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development, the School of Education, and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support). This was consistent with guidance of the Makerere University Visitation Committee, 2016. The PI further noted that, over 200 assistant lecturers from8 Colleges were trained in learner-centred pedagogy (Makerere University Strategic Plan 2020-2030 p.23). However, there was need to improve on the training programme by embedding Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) philosophies and pedagogy to complement the programme who focus was on the technical competences of writing learning outcomes, delivery methods, integration of technology, assessment, and teaching large classes. This culminated into the PLASHE-WIL Challenge as presented by the PI and Co-PI, Dr. Rovincer Najjuma.
PLASHE-WIL Project Challenge:
The increasing numbers of students that graduate every year in a variety of disciplines amidst rising graduate unemployment and employability skill deficiency is both a risk and potential for the country. Embedding graduate work readiness and transition to work strategies in University curricular and pedagogy is one of the employability development strategies that can potentially address rising graduate unemployment. Owing to the complexity and multi-dimensional nature of the challenge, the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development (EASHESD) in the College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University in partnership with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and technical support from the National Planning Authority (NPA), sought to engage with stakeholders including; employers, students, academic staff, pedagogical leadership facilitators and programme leaders to collaboratively develop a Pedagogical Leadership Programme for academic staff to enhance graduate work readiness and transition to work.
PLASHE-WIL Project Aim:
This project aimed to develop the capacity of academic staff in Pedagogical Leadership and Work-Integrated Learning to enhance graduate work readiness and transition to work competence development.
Methodology:
The research adopted the design research methodology. Design research combines research, design, and practice. The methodology of this research and innovation project was implemented through a multi-stakeholder partnership. First, a scoping review was done. Second, a consultative stakeholders’ meeting was held to initiate engagement and dialogue on how to enhance graduate work readiness and transition to work through strengthening pedagogical leadership of academic staff in Higher Education Institutions. Third, empirical evidence was collected from 73 employers, 146 academic staff, and 548 final year students stratified in four fields of engineering, agriculture, education and development studies. Fourth, practitioner engagement in interviews and expert meetings.
Summary of the findings:
Objective One: Employer requirements and expectations
The employers expect graduates to follow workplace principles/rules, possess work readiness skills (e.g. problem-solving, thinking critically, develop professionalism etc.). In addition, graduates are expected to have transition to work skills (e.g. identify personal skills and how they can be deployed). The employers identified Work-Integrated Learning opportunities such as exposure to relevant work setting, understanding workplace cultures as essential for graduates.
Objective Two: Graduate attributes and aspirations
Final year candidates’ degree experience had developed their pre-professional identity attributes (e.g. matching university to the workplace), work readiness attributes (e.g. developing social responsibility and accountability like behaving in line with company values) among others.
Objective Three: Academic Staff Competence Profiling
The academic staff were confident that they teach and assess foundational knowledge (theories and principles) and work readiness skills (e.g. team work, professionalism). However, they were less confident that they taught problem-solving yet they were confident that they assessed it.
Objective Four: Pedagogical Leadership Perspectives
Most of the existing pedagogical leadership training focuses on alignment. Pedagogical leaders identified competences academic staff should possess include; team work, co-facilitation, managing industry partnership, case-based teaching philosophies (industry-based learning, scenarios, e-case studies, industry-based cases, projects).
Objective Five: Curriculum Mapping Perspectives
The key focus is on foundational knowledge. There is need for strengthened partnerships between stakeholders (cross-sector, intra-sector, alumni, professional bodies, employers and internship providers. Programme reviews and enhancements should include work readiness and transition to work skill-sets to enact graduate work readiness and transition to work. Programme reviews and enhancements should include work readiness and transition to work skill-sets.
On the basis of the multi-dimensional findings, the Key Deliverables are:
- A proposed Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education Pedagogy that embeds Work-Integrated Learning has been piloted among stakeholders drawn from public and private universities and line agencies. The post graduate curriculum includes; a practicum, educational research, Work-Integrated-Learning, higher education dynamics among others.
- A PLASHE-WIL framework that illuminates how WIL would create a springboard between the university and other stakeholders to enhance work readiness and transition to work.
- PLASHE-WIL reports on pedagogical leadership and work-integrated learning
Responding to the findings of the PLASHE-WIL Project, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya was delighted that the promises made in February 2020 at the stakeholders’ inception meeting at NCHE were being met. He expressed the need for the National Planning Authority to articulate the aspirations of the country and have engagement with the PLASHE-WIL Project Team. He implored the team to think through scaling in space and disciplines whereby the interventions can as well be relevant to the other disciplines without necessarily collecting data on them. Dr. Ssembatya reflected on the imperative to produce employable graduates who are lifelong learners with capacity to disintegrate theories, renew knowledge and invent. This called for pedagogical reskilling of academic staff through a research-informed programme which was the key deliverable of the PLASHE-WIL Project.
Dr. Pius C. Achanga reflected on the possibilities for scaling-up and policy options emanating from the PLASHE-WIL Project findings and congratulated the team. He noted that the deliverables would provide an avenue where lecturers meet the students and engage in disruptive processes. He noted that whereas there has been overemphasis on basic knowledge offered by universities, it was time to reflect concretely on the returns. He made reference to the Mandate of NCHE as enshrined in the Act, section 5(h) within which NCHE agreed to work with Makerere University and others in the implementation of PLASHE-WIL Project. He implored the project team to work with other tertiary institutions to operationalize the project when there is continuation of funding. He also appreciated the contribution of the National Planning Authority.
Dr. Hamis Mugendawala informed the stakeholders that NPA took pleasure to be part of the partnership. He noted that the project was responding to a terrain that was so scaring for the country. This was because of the permanent divorce between education and employment where supply was not speaking to demand. He highlighted the increasing shift in focus from qualification to skills-based employer demands. With regard to PLASHE-WIL, the need for enhancement of the competences of the academy was evident. He noted ‘if the academy does not possess the graduate work readiness and transition to work skills then they cannot deliver them to the students’ amidst the shifting demands of the labour market and industry. Moreover, there was need to modularize the proposed pedagogical training curriculum and embrace multiple modes of flexible delivery. He noted that the University should simulate the industry environment as it trains graduates. Dr. Mugendawala informed the stakeholders that the National Development Plan III was in agreement with some of the findings. He requested Makerere University through the DVC-AA to consider inviting industry to Makerere University to ensure that they closely innovate, incubate ideas and embark on production. He concluded that ‘young people should be trained to work with people and to work with machines’ and that the National Planning Authority was willing to further the collaboration on the PLASHE-WIL Project.
Dr. Robinah Kulabako, Member of the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC) in her speech thanked the participants for attending the dissemination event. She recognized the DVCAA, Makerere University among other dignitaries. She thanked Professor William Bazeyo for steering the GMC and informed members that she was representing him at the dissemination event. Dr. Kulabako informed the stakeholders that Mak-RIF received 30billion and an additional 15billion to fund multidisciplinary projects from the Government of Uganda. PLASHE-WIL was one of the 500 multidisciplinary projects funded and she was optimistic that it will surely contribute to the development of the nation and specifically the higher education sector. Dr. Kulabako thanked the Principal Investigator – Dr. Ronald Bisaso and Team for smartly identifying the problem and conceptually thinking through the solution. She urged the team to ensure that the deliverable – the PLASHE-WIL programme is fast-tracked and rolled out. Dr. Kulabako concluded by promising that Mak-RIF will collaboratively engage and leverage additional resources so that projects such as PLASHE-WIL continue to make a positive contribution to the communities we live in. In a special way, she thanked and noted that the Government of Uganda was willing to continue funding research in Makerere University through Mak-RIF as long we deliver on the promises of innovative deliverables as we work with the respective partners.
At the Official Closing of the Dissemination Event, Dr. Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) was grateful for the value addition by the PLASHE-WIL Project Team led by Dr. Ronald Bisaso. He noted that it was a great team. He informed the stakeholders that his involvement at the inception stakeholders’ meeting held in February 2020 at the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) was because of the innovativeness of the concept. It was on that basis that he graciously deemed it appropriate to officiate at the dissemination event. Dr. Kakumba thanked the National Council for Higher Education for the support extended to the PLASHE-WIL Project and the contribution of the National Planning Authority. He observed that the uniqueness of the PLASHE-WIL Project was the engagement with different actors and other tertiary institutions. He further noted that the deliverables were laudable observing that the starting point for a competitive graduate should be a good curriculum, delivered by competent teachers continually be capacitated through trainings like the proposed PLASHE-WIL programme. The DVC-AA further requested the PLASHE-WIL Project Team to generate a brief to inform the review of the policy on internship/field attachment/Work-Integrated Learning. Finally, on behalf of University Management, Dr. Kakumba thanked the Government of Uganda for all the support which has kept staff engaged in writing grants, contacting respondents and disseminating findings among other activities and in process contributing to research productivity and progressive engagement. He thanked Professor William Bazeyo for steering the Grants Management Committee (GMC) and Mak-RIF. He also thanked Dr. RobinahKulabako for her contribution to the GMC and the remarks. He officially closed the Dissemination Event noting that this was the first phase of dissemination because he looked forward to more disseminations of the PLASHE-WIL Project deliverables.
Education
Advancing Education Policy Dialogue through Partnership: Makerere Hosts the 2026 Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture
Makerere University continues to position itself as a hub for global academic exchange and strategic partnerships, as demonstrated by the successful hosting of the 2026 Professor William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture.
Now in its fourth edition since the revitalisation of the lecture series in 2022, the Kajubi Lecture has evolved beyond a commemorative academic event into a powerful platform for institutional collaboration, most notably between Makerere University and the United States Embassy in Uganda. This partnership, anchored in the shared legacy of Professor William Senteza Kajubi as the first African Fulbright Scholar, reflects a deeper commitment to knowledge exchange, diplomacy, and education reform.
The 2026 lecture, held on April 23 at the Makerere University Main Hall, convened a diverse audience of policymakers, scholars, Fulbright alumni, students, and development partners, underscoring the multi-stakeholder approach required to drive meaningful education reform.
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared belief in the transformative power of education and international exchange. In his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, emphasised that the Fulbright Program represents more than academic mobility; it is a bridge between nations, fostering mutual understanding and long-term cooperation. He noted that such exchanges strengthen both countries by creating enduring networks of collaboration and shared knowledge.
This partnership is not incidental but rather intentional. Through the Advancement and International Office, Makerere University has strategically aligned the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) with the U.S. Embassy to ensure that the Kajubi Lecture serves as both an intellectual platform and a diplomatic touchpoint. The lecture reinforces ongoing cooperation while also expanding opportunities for academic exchange, research collaboration, and alumni engagement.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, Executive Director of Uwezo Uganda, brought the discussion back to the core purpose of education policy: enabling student success. Her address traced the enduring influence of the Kajubi legacy on Uganda’s education system, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in access, quality, and relevance.
At the heart of her message was a return to Kajubi’s foundational belief: that education is both a basic human right and a tool for shaping responsible citizens. Education, she emphasised, must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to cultivate values, critical thinking, and a sense of civic responsibility.
A central critique in the keynote was the increasing dominance of technocratic approaches to education policy. While economic growth and workforce readiness are important, Dr. Nakabugo cautioned against reducing education to a tool for productivity alone. In doing so, systems risk neglecting the broader purpose of education, to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
This calls for a redefinition of student success. Success, she argued, should not be measured solely by enrollment or completion rates, but by meaningful outcomes: literacy, competence, retention, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. It is about preparing learners not just for jobs, but for life.
To achieve this, Dr. Nakabugo called for a renewed commitment to the Kajubi vision. This includes making education truly universal and equitable, investing in teachers and infrastructure, strengthening inclusive support systems, and reducing the financial burden on families. Equally important is the need to re-centre values such as critical thinking, citizenship, and accountability within the education system.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University further underscored this point, noting that education remains one of the most powerful instruments for building bridges between people and cultures. He expressed appreciation to the United States for its continued support, recognising the partnership as a critical contributor to Uganda’s development and to Makerere’s global outlook.
Before the Senteza Kajubi Memorial lecture, at a farewell cocktail session for H.E Ambassador. William Popp, the Vice Chancellor, expressed sincere appreciation to H.E. Amb. William W. Popp for his distinguished service and steadfast support to Makerere University during his tenure. He noted that the United States has remained a key partner in advancing the University’s global engagement, with a significant number of Makerere’s academic and institutional partnerships anchored in collaborations with U.S. universities. The Vice Chancellor commended Ambassador Popp for strengthening these ties and for his commitment to fostering academic exchange, research collaboration, and mutual understanding between Uganda and the United States.
Importantly, the Kajubi Lecture continues to serve as a convening space for Fulbright alumni, policymakers, and scholars, reinforcing a growing network of individuals committed to shaping the future of education in Uganda and beyond. This aligns with the broader objective of the lecture to initiate and sustain conversations on education policy reform while strengthening institutional and international cooperation.
As Makerere University advances its strategic priorities in internationalisation and alumni engagement, the Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture stands out as a model of how legacy, partnership, and purpose can converge to drive impact.
Kainomugisha Caroline is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
Education
Makerere Takes Lead in Transitioning Universities to Competency-Based Education in East and West Africa
According to Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.” This powerful statement resonates with the strides being undertaken by the Government of Uganda to transform the education sector through the Competency-Based Education model.
According to the experts in the field, competency-based education is about the change of methodology from the teacher-centred to the learner-centred approach that positions the learner at the heart of the learning, teaching and innovative processes.
In Uganda, the Ministry of Education of Education and Sports, in partnership with regulators has rolled out a road-map for education institutions at the different levels namely pre-primary, primary, secondary, technical, and universities to transition to the competency-based education (CBE) model.
At the University level, the Ministry of Education and Sports in partnership with the respective Universities, the National Council for Higher Education in Uganda (NCHE), and the Uganda Vice Chancellor’s Forum (UVCF), have lined up several strategies aimed at aligning academic programmes, curricula, research and innovations with the competency-based education (CBE) model.
Ministry tasks Makerere University to provide leadership on CBE
Specific to universities, the directive from the Ministry of Education and Sports was amplified on Tuesday 25th February 2026, during the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University.
“Earlier on, I directed that all institutions of higher learning prepare for full implementation of competency-based education and training by July 2027. This is a fundamental shift in how we prepare our graduates. We are moving towards a model that emphasizes practical skills, innovation, and problem-solving, directly aligned with the needs of industry and the economy,” stated Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni in a speech read by Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu.
“In this regard, I want to specifically and strongly encourage Makerere University, as our premier institution, of higher learning to champion this directive. I request the Vice Chancellor and your team to lead the way in developing curricula, training staff, and establishing the necessary infrastructure to make competency-based education a reality,” added the Minister.
TRUCE project aligns with Makerere’s Competency-based education agenda
The policy directive from the Ministry of Education and Sports, coincides with Makerere University’s partnership with nine (9) consortium partners to implement an Erasmus+ Capacity Building Higher Education project. Titled Transitioning Higher Education Regulators and Universities to Competency-Based Education in East and West Africa (TRUCE), the project seeks to strengthen the capacities of universities and higher education regulators in Uganda and Ghana to transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE).
Funded by the European Union, the four year TRUCE project (December 2025 to 30th December 2029) draws from African and European expertise in curriculum reform, assessment, quality assurance, digital pedagogy, and stakeholder engagements. TRUCE brings together Makerere University as the lead partner, working with, the Mountains of the Moon University, University of Ghana, Legon University of Education, Winneba, Universitat de Barcelona, Instituto Politecnico do Porto, the National Council for Higher Education of Uganda, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, and RUFORUM.
At Makerere University, the TRUCE Project is implemented through the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), with Associate Professor Josephine Esaete as the Principal Investigator, and Professor Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Principal of CEES providing oversight. At the strategic level, the TRUCE Project brings onboard Vice Chancellors of the participating universities, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Academic Registrars, the Directors of Quality Assurance, and Chief Executive Officers.
TRUCE Objectives
The project pursues four (4) interlinked objectives:
- Retooling university faculty and higher education regulators in Uganda and Ghana on competence based education
- Developing guidelines for the design, implementation, and assessment of competence based education
- Strengthening collaboration between universities , and the assessment of competence based education
- Improving the capacity of regulatory bodies and higher education institutions to assure the quality of CBE programmes
TRUCE project holds Inception meeting
Bringing onboard over 30 participants, with a minimum of three (3) representatives from each of the nine (9) participating institutions, a TRUCE inception meeting was held on the 8th and 9th of April 2026. It featured remarks from selected partners and regulators, a session aimed at reaching a common understanding of the project scope and start-up priorities, alignment of partner expectations, presentations on financial management, quality assurance principles and indicators, discussion of the five (5) work packages, work plan and budget alignment per work package, consideration of the risk register, decision log, key dates for project activities and stakeholder engagements, as well as, adoption of meeting resolutions.
The work packages, which form the core of the TRUCE project are outlined below:
- Project Management, Coordination and Oversight
- Development and piloting of guidelines for CBE design, implementation, and assessment
- Development of Collaborative Learning ecosystem for CBEs in Higher Education Institutions
- Capacity building for regulators, faculty, managers in CBE design, implementation, and assessment
- Dissemination, Communication and Impact
Purpose of the TRUCE Inception meeting
Dr. Josephine Esaete, an Associate Professor at Makerere University, and Principal Investigator of the project, welcomed the national and international participants to the TRUCE inception meeting.
“Your presence and participation, is testimony to your commitment to the TRUCE project focused on significantly contributing to the transformation of the education sector. TRUCE is grounded in learner-centered pedagogies, which position the learner as the key driver of his or her education or learning process,” said Associate Professor Josephine Esaete.
Emphasizing the importance of the two-day engagement, Associate Professor Esaete said: “This kick-off meeting is aimed at aligning all partners on the project logic, working methods, responsibilities, and implementation expectations for TRUCE.” She articulated that the meeting would provide a formal platform for adopting the consortium’s start-up decisions so that the project moves from inception into coordinated implementation.
“To ensure implementable decisions, the inception meeting programme, combines short plenary inputs, structured technical sessions, regulator-university dialogue, work package planning sessions, and a final decision session,” she explained.
Role of the Colleges or Schools of Education in CBE implementation
Responding to key issues from a brief, but interactive plenary session, Associate Professor Josephine Esaete flanked by Dr. Alfred Buluma, Dr. Michael Walimbwa, Dr. Julius Shopi Mbulankende, from the College of Education and External Studies, at Makerere University, highlighted that the ultimate goal of the TRUCE project envisions impacting the entire university, as well as, the education system in general.
In pursuit of this goal, the team explained that in addition to the Project Management Team (PMT), at the strategic level, TRUCE is structured with a Project Advisory Board (PAB), which consists of Vice Chancellors, Principals, or Chief Executive Officers of the participating consortium partners.
At the implementation level, the Colleges or Schools of Education, play a fundamental role in determining the formulation of teaching, learning and digital pedagogies, curriculum development, and early childhood education.
“The starting point in changing education in a given country should be the teacher. We are intentional on rolling out programmes to strengthen the capacities and competences within the Schools of Education in Universities because those Units have the mandate to influence the entire education system,” explained Dr. Alfred Buluma, Co-Principal Investigator, TRUCE project.
TRUCE positions Makerere for more collaboration opportunities
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe represented by Professor Anthony Muwagga Mugagga congratulated the TRUCE universities and partners for winning the research grant, which seeks to re-model the education system, transform Africa and the world at large.
The Vice Chancellor observed that competence based education provides the best approach of producing critical thinkers and innovative learners with problem solving abilities.
Building on the spin offs of the TRUCE project including the number of participating universities and reputable partners, the Vice Chancellor extended an olive branch for more collaborations. “Makerere University welcomes collaborations through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in areas of mutual interest, joint research and publications, student and staff exchanges, visiting professors, and external examinations,” he said.
Emphasizing transparency and accountability for funds, the Vice Chancellor appealed to the participating institutions and partners to strictly adhere to the guidelines and templates provided by the funding partner-the European Union.
TRUCE enhances CEES’ competency-based education profile
The Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Mugagga stated that the TRUCE project was a timely intervention. “In Uganda, the shift to competency-based education is challenging. Makerere University and the College of Education and External Studies are implementing several strategies including re-tooling teachers to adapt to CBE. Therefore, the TRUCE project with its objectives, is a welcome intervention, as we advance to CBE,” he stated.
In the same vein, Professor Mugagga commended the TRUCE project for bringing onboard the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a reputable partner with expertise in managing international projects.
RUFORUM commits to aligning programmes with Competency-based education
Building on related initiatives such as AgriCBE, the TRUCE project aims to contribute to more relevant, market-responsive graduates and stronger university-regulator-industry linkages. Prof. Anthony Egeru, Programme Manager, Training and Community Development at the RUFORUM Secretariat, informed the participants that the TRUCE project commences on a solid foundation.
“RUFORUM has been actively involved in initiatives at the national and international levels of aligning agriculture programmes to competency-based education. RUFORUM has implemented several research and international projects in partnership with Makerere University, which provides a firm ground for the successful execution of the TRUCE project. RUFORUM works closely with the different colleges at Makerere University to execute research, innovations and community development programmes,” said Professor Egeru.
With respect to aligning academic programmes with the competency-based education model, Professor Egeru mentioned that over the years, RUFORUM has implemented several research and project activities with the Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
Professor Egeru said the TRUCE project presents yet another opportunity to RUFORUM and Makerere University through the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) to enhance the quality of education through building a critical mass of teachers, trainer of trainers, learners and experts in competency-based education.
On the issue of successful coordination and execution of the project activities, the RUFORUM Secretariat called upon the participating institutions and each member involved in the project, to read and understand the agreements, proposal, guidelines, travel arrangements, and to initiative procurement early so that the activities are implemented within the stipulated timelines.
TRUCE supporting other universities
During the inception meeting, participants and stakeholders appreciated the approach consisting of training and capacity building programmes lined up to create a pool of competency-based education (CBE) facilitators. “The TRUCE project will support other universities in the region by creating a critical mass of experts who understand competency-based education,” said Dr. Michael Walimbwa, a member of the TRUCE implementation team.
NCHE urges universities to train staff in Competency-based education
The National Council for Higher Education in Uganda (NCHE) is a key partner in the TRUCE project. The Executive Director of NCHE, Professor Mary J. N. Okwakol represented by Mr. David Musiimaani, Head of Standards, Recognition and Equating of Qualifications, congratulated the participating institutions on the TRUCE project and its intended objectives.
At the TRUCE inception meeting, Mr. Musiimaani highlighted that NCHE has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the alignment with CBE is done. He reported that NCHE had developed the minimum standard guidelines of competence based education. He implored the University Management in the respective institutions to train staff in order to execute the Competence Based Education (CBE) model.
GTEC-Ghana commends the TRUCE project
Sharing his experience, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, the Director-General, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), said: “In Ghana, we are working towards technical education, but it is difficult.”
Drawing from his experience and lessons learned, Professor Jinapor Abdulai, informed participants that Competency-based education (CBE) requires commitment in terms of strategy, time, and investment in staff.
The Director General welcomed the TRUCE project as a timely intervention, which seeks to empower universities and regulators with Competency-based education (CBE) knowledge through re-tooling of staff, and on-boarding of partners through consultations, involvement and capacity building.
Consensus
The inception meeting concluded on a high note, with participants, regulators and stakeholders re-affirming their commitment to adapt to the competency-based education model through innovative teaching and learning pedagogies, undertaking research projects, participating in community development, training and re-tooling, bench-marking best practices, as well as, scaling up partnerships at the national and international levels.
Makerere University Truce Project Implementation Team
At the end of the inception meeting, the following participants were introduced as members of the TRUCE Implementation team at Makerere University: Associate Professor Josephine Esaete, Dr. Alfred Buluma, Dr. Michael Walimbwa, Dr. Julius Shopi Mbulankende. Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga and Ms. Teddie Nassali (Project Management and Oversight) as well as Ms. Ritah Namisango (on the Communication, Dissemination and Impact Work Package).
Education
Makerere University Students and Staff participate in Prof. Peter Jarvis Memorial Lecture at Gulu University
Students and Staff from the Department of Adult and Community Education under the College of Education and External Studies at Makerere University, on 15th April 2026, participated in the Second Professor Peter Jarvis Memorial Lecture, held at Gulu University in a hybrid format, bringing together scholars, practitioners, and students from across the region.
Held under the theme “The Individual, The Collective and The Learning Society,” the lecture created a dynamic platform for reflecting on Prof. Jarvis’s enduring contribution to adult and lifelong learning, particularly within the African context.
A highlight of the event was the powerful tribute by Makerere University students, who presented selected quotations from Prof. Jarvis’s work, demonstrating both intellectual depth and practical understanding of adult learning principles. Among the reflections shared was Jarvis’s assertion that:
“Education is a social provision of learning opportunities, not just the idealistic kind but one driven by the desire to make the world better.”
Democracy, lifelong learning and learning society: “I remain convinced that learning is intrinsic to human living and that we will never completely understand the process until we understand life itself, our approach to learning has, therefore, to be inclusive”
Towards a comprehensive theory of human learning: “Society needs free people if it is to change or develop in any manner—people who will keep on learning and acting independently but doing so for the good of the whole group.”
Students also engaged the audience with his insight that:
“All learning begins with experience, but not all experience results in learning,”
emphasizing the importance of critical reflection in transforming experience into meaningful learning.
The Department was actively represented in the academic programme through scholarly contributions. Dr. Dianah Nampijja, Graduate Coordinator, facilitated a dialogical session on:
“Continuous Professional Development, Community Learning and Lifelong Learning in Practice: The Individual and Development Partners.”
In another session, Dr. Hannington Bananuka Twine (Emeritus, Department of Adult and Community Education) contributed to a dialogical engagement on:
“African Socialism and Adult Education as Transformation in Tanzania: Navigating Neoliberalism and Sustaining Communal Ownership,” in collaboration with Ms. Leonia Kassamia from the Institute of Adult Education, Tanzania.
These sessions enriched the discourse by linking Jarvis’s theoretical contributions to contemporary issues in adult education, including community development, professional learning, and the sustainability of collective approaches in changing socio-economic contexts.
The Acting Head of Department, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, provided overall leadership to the Makerere delegation physically present at Gulu University, coordinating participation and engagement throughout the event.
The Memorial Lecture, organized under the PAR & Lifelong Learning Series, seeks to stimulate intellectual activism by exploring Jarvis’s concepts of agency and the learning market within the context of Eastern Africa’s adult education and policy environment.
Participation in this lecture underscores Makerere University’s continued commitment to advancing adult and lifelong learning, while nurturing students and staff as reflective practitioners and contributors to knowledge and practice in the field.
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