As the world of work continues to evolve, employers are increasingly seeking graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, digital competence, and the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing technological and professional environments. In response to these demands, Uganda is embracing Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), an approach that emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively in real-world settings.

Following the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum in secondary schools in 2019, the Ministry of Education and Sports directed institutions of higher learning to transition to competency-based education by 2027. The reform requires universities to redesign their curricula, adopt learner-centred teaching methods, strengthen practical training, and implement authentic assessment approaches that prepare graduates for both formal and informal employment.

Building Capacity for Competency-Based Education

In support of this national transition, Makerere University is strengthening the capacity of its staff to develop and implement competency-based programmes. From 21^st to 23^rd July 2026, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) conducted a three-day capacity-building training for academic and technical staff to deepen their understanding of CBET principles and equip them with the skills required to design, deliver, and assess competency-based curricula.

Held at Ridar Hotel in Seeta, the training was conducted with support from the Strengthening Commercial Aquaculture (SCA) Programme, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kampala (EKN) and implemented by the COFAD Consortium (COFAD–ThinkAqua–WUR). The programme is also supporting the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS) to review its undergraduate and postgraduate aquaculture programmes to align them with competency-based education and the evolving needs of Uganda’s growing commercial aquaculture sector.

The transition of ZEFS programmes to CBET presents a strategic opportunity for Makerere University to develop a flagship model for science-based competency-based education that could inform implementation across the University.

The Training Workshop

Officially opened by the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Juma Kasozi, the training was attended by staff from the Departments of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences; Plant Sciences; Microbiology and Biotechnology; Biochemistry and Systems Biology; Exercise and Sports Science; and Chemistry. It was coordinated by Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences and one of the coordinators of the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) Programme at Makerere University.

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The facilitators included Mr. Joshua Kunya, TVET Specialist and Training Consultant; Mr. Richard Basalirwa, an associate consultant and process expert with Skills Initiative Uganda; Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Director of Quality Assurance at Makerere University; and Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Lead Consultant for the Diagnostic and Rapid Needs Assessment of the BSc Fisheries and Aquaculture and MSc Zoology (Fisheries and Aquaculture) curricula at Makerere University.

Throughout the training, participants explored the principles of competency-based education and examined how universities can move beyond traditional knowledge transmission towards teaching and learning approaches that develop and improve practical competence, critical thinking, innovation, teamwork, communication, ethical leadership, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.

Presentations also examined Makerere University’s curriculum development framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning academic programmes with national quality assurance standards, labour market demands, and international best practices. Participants underscored the need for curriculum reform to be informed by industry requirements and designed to produce graduates who can effectively apply their knowledge and skills in professional, entrepreneurial, and community settings.

Recommendations from the Diagnostic Assessment of the BSc & MSc Fisheries & Aquaculture

A key highlight of the training was the presentation of findings from a diagnostic assessment of the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Master of Science in Zoology (Fisheries and Aquaculture) programmes, conducted under the leadership of Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi. The assessment involved curriculum reviews, surveys of alumni and students, and consultations with employers and other stakeholders. It found that, although the programmes provide a strong scientific foundation, they require further strengthening to fully meet the requirements of competency-based education.

The assessment identified several gaps, including limited opportunities for practical and workplace learning, inadequate digital competencies, insufficient enterprise and business management skills, heavy reliance on end-of-semester examinations, and learning outcomes that place greater emphasis on knowledge acquisition than on the demonstration of competence.

To address these gaps, the assessors recommended revising learning outcomes, strengthening partnerships with industry, expanding supervised workplace learning, integrating digital technologies, modernising technical content, and adopting continuous competency-based assessment approaches.

Programme Review

During the practical sessions, participants worked in departmental groups to review existing curricula and redesign programme objectives, learning outcomes, teaching strategies, and assessment methods in line with CBET principles. These collaborative exercises enabled staff to begin developing curricula that are more learner-centred, industry-responsive, and aligned with Uganda’s national development priorities.

Participants identified several institutional requirements for the successful implementation of CBET, including increased investment in infrastructure and teaching resources, continuous staff development, strengthened quality assurance systems, and closer collaboration with industry.

While acknowledging that the transition to competency-based education will require significant institutional commitment and resources, participants noted that it presents an important opportunity to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation, strengthen industry linkages, and increase the contribution of universities to Uganda’s socio-economic development.

SCA Programme Reaffirms Support for Aquaculture Education

Speaking at the training, David Bargh, Team Leader of the Strengthening Commercial Aquaculture (SCA) Programme, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to supporting Makerere University in strengthening aquaculture education and aligning its programmes with the evolving needs of the sector.

“A strong aquaculture sector requires skilled professionals. This is why curriculum reform is so important. Competency-based education focuses not only on what students know, but also on what they can do. Your role as lecturers and technicians is therefore central to producing graduates who are practical, innovative, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s aquaculture development.”

Appreciation to the funders

Addressing the participants, Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of (CoNAS), appreciated the funders for the support towards strengthening the quality, relevance, and impact of university education. He emphasized that Makerere University occupies a unique position in Africa’s academic landscape and therefore has a responsibility to remain responsive to the changing needs of society and the world of work. While acknowledging the University’s achievements and long-standing contribution to higher education, he noted that the rapidly changing social, economic, technological, and professional environment requires universities to rethink how they prepare graduates for the future. “Students should leave the university with more than academic qualifications – they should possess the practical skills, competencies, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities needed to apply their knowledge effectively in the workplace and contribute meaningfully to national development.”  

 Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Coordinator of the training and the CBET Programme equally appreciated the funders for the support. He underscored the need for staff to embrace the shift in mindset required by CBET, noting that successful implementation will depend on the ability of lecturers and technical staff to move beyond traditional approaches to teaching and assessment. He expressed optimism that the training would provide a strong foundation for the participating departments to develop and implement programmes that respond effectively to the changing needs of students, employers, industry, and society.

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Photo highlights from Day One of the training: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DZ_yEI2008uGo48C7hRyBZO8Dimxi_ky?usp=sharing

Photo highlights from Day Two and Three: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XvsM3yggYG7FKX30binqpITB0wPBulhQ?usp=sharing

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Dr John Mary Kiberu has been appointed Acting Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies at Makerere University effective 1^st July 2026.

Dr Kiberu takes over from Dr Arthur Batte who has led the Department since 1^st April 2022.

Official Handover Ceremony

The official handover ceremony, held on 10^th July 2026, was presided over by the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. David Ssevviiri, who paid tribute to the outgoing Head for his exemplary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Department. Prof. Ssevviiri acknowledged Dr Batte’s invaluable contribution, sacrifices, and efforts in guiding the Department and strengthening its academic and institutional mandate during his tenure. He welcomed the incoming Head and expressed confidence in his ability to provide strategic leadership and build on the foundation established, while advancing the Department’s vision and goals.

Dr Batte’s Achievements During His Tenure

In his handover report, Dr Batte reflected on the Department’s progress over the past four years, highlighting the achievements that strengthened academic programmes, research, industry collaboration, infrastructure, and administrative systems.

Among the key accomplishments was the acquisition of modern teaching and research equipment through strategic partnerships with leading industry stakeholders. SNF contributed state-of-the-art laboratory equipment designed to simulate surfactant production processes for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), significantly strengthening the Department’s capacity for hands-on training and applied research. TotalEnergies provided advanced computer workstations equipped with industry-standard geological and reservoir simulation software, enabling students and researchers to access cutting-edge tools for learning, innovation, and professional development. In addition, the Department expects to receive a well-control model from Zhongyuan Petroleum Exploration Bureau (ZPEB), which will further strengthen practical training in petroleum production processes.

Strengthening Industry Partnerships

The Department also expanded its engagement with industry by formalizing partnerships with TotalEnergies, COSL, DISKOS, and the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals. These collaborations have created valuable opportunities for student internships, collaborative research, curriculum enhancement, and equipment support. Negotiations are ongoing to conclude Memoranda of Understanding with ZPEB, Dietsmann, and the Bio-Ecosystems Conservation and Development Agency, partnerships expected to further strengthen the Department’s teaching and research agenda.

Curriculum Modernization and Administrative Improvements

A major milestone during Dr Batte’s tenure was securing a USD 200,000 grant to review and modernize the Department’s undergraduate and postgraduate geology curricula. The ongoing project aims to align academic programmes with emerging technologies, industry needs, and international best practices.

On the administrative front, Dr Batte reported significant improvements in governance and academic management. The Department successfully maintained up-to-date records of meetings with no backlog of unapproved minutes, ensured the timely submission of students’ examination results, and cleared pending postgraduate proposal presentations, enabling graduate students to progress without unnecessary delays.

Dr Batte’s Message to the Incoming Head

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Batte congratulated Dr. Kiberu on his appointment and wished him success in his new role. He expressed confidence that the Department was well positioned for continued growth, with strong institutional systems, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team ready to support the new leadership. “I am confident that under your leadership, the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies will continue to excel and make significant contributions to Makerere University and the broader scientific community.”

He appreciated the University and College leadership, members of staff, students, and all stakeholders for the support, cooperation, and commitment they extended to him throughout his tenure as Head of Department. Dr. Batte acknowledged that the achievements realized during his leadership were a collective effort, made possible through the dedication of staff, the guidance of university leadership, and the continued collaboration of industry and institutional partners.  

Dr Kiberu’s Vision for the Department

In his remarks, Dr Kiberu expressed gratitude to the University Management, the CoNAS leadership, and the School of Physical Sciences for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the department.

“It is a great honour and privilege to serve as Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies. Leadership in academia is not simply about administration; it is about stewardship. It is about nurturing people, advancing knowledge, safeguarding institutional values, and creating opportunities that will benefit generations of students, researchers, and society. I pledge to serve with integrity and humility, and to lead with commitment to the continued growth and success of our Department.”

Dr Kiberu paid tribute to his predecessor for his dedicated service and acknowledged the strong foundation laid during the past four years.

“Every leader inherits both achievements and challenges,” Dr Kiberu noted. “I look forward to building upon that foundation while embracing new opportunities for growth.”

He outlined a vision centred on strengthening academic programmes, advancing research and innovation, expanding partnerships with industry and international institutions, improving the student experience, embracing digital transformation, and promoting transparency, accountability, teamwork, and collegiality.

He observed that geoscience is evolving rapidly, driven by the global energy transition, the growing demand for critical minerals, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and advanced geophysical technologies.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that our teaching, research, and innovation remain relevant to national priorities while meeting international standards,” he said.

Dr Kiberu pledged to provide consultative, transparent, and inclusive leadership, emphasizing that the Department’s continued success would depend on collective effort.

“I pledge to lead through consultation, fairness, integrity, openness, and service,” he said. “Together, we can build an even stronger Department that attracts talented students, outstanding researchers, meaningful partnerships, and international recognition.”

Brief about Dr John Mary Kiberu

Dr. John Mary Kiberu is a distinguished geophysicist, petroleum geoscientist, and academic leader with over two decades of experience in teaching, research, mentorship, and institutional development at Makerere University. He holds a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Geophysics from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, an MSc in Geophysics from the University of Twente, Netherlands, and a BSc in Geology and Chemistry from Makerere University. He has served in the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies in various capacities, contributing significantly to the advancement of geoscience education, research, curriculum development, and international collaborations.

His expertise spans applied geophysics, petroleum geoscience, seismic interpretation, reservoir characterization, hydrogeophysics, and tectonic studies. Dr. Kiberu has led and participated in several nationally and internationally funded research and capacity-building initiatives, strengthening geoscience training and research at Makerere University and beyond. Through his extensive supervision of postgraduate research, publication record, and engagement with global academic partners, he has played a key role in advancing petroleum geoscience and earth science research in Uganda. His appointment to lead the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies reflects his longstanding commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the continued growth of the department.

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*****The initiative is being implemented under the Sustainable Development of the Mineral Sector in Uganda (SDMU) programme, funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD).

Skills Shortage in Uganda’s Mining Sector

Despite Uganda possessing an estimated US$6.8 billion worth of undeveloped mineral resources, the country’s mining industry continues to grapple with a critical shortage of skilled professionals, forcing many companies to recruit foreign expertise while leaving locally trained graduates struggling to secure employment.

The mismatch between industry demands and existing geology training has emerged as one of the biggest obstacles to unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s mineral wealth. Employer surveys indicate that 78 percent of the mining companies face difficulties recruiting geologists trained locally, compelling many firms to rely on foreign professionals. At the same time, only 20 percent of geology graduates from Makerere University obtain sector-related employment within two years of graduation, pointing to significant gaps between university training and labour market needs.

Gaps in Training  

The challenge extends beyond university graduates. Uganda’s mining industry is largely driven by artisanal and small-scale miners, who account for a significant proportion of the country’s gold production. However, many operators lack essential knowledge and practical skills in basic geology, mining and mineral processing, occupational health and safety, environmental management, and business development. Poor compliance with health, safety and environmental standards continues to affect productivity, sustainability and the overall growth of the sector.

The shortage of institutions offering specialized training in mineral prospecting, metallurgy, analytical chemistry and environmental studies has further constrained the development of a competent local workforce capable of supporting the country’s growing mining industry.

Curriculum Reform Initiative at Makerere University

It is against this backdrop that Makerere University, through its Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, has launched a comprehensive project to reform geology education and strengthen Uganda’s human resource capacity for the mineral sector.

The project, titled “Strengthening Uganda’s Mineral Sector through Labour-Market Aligned Curricula Reforms: A Comprehensive Review of BSc/MSc/PhD Geology Curricula and Development of Industry-Aligned Short Courses at Makerere University (Mak-SDMU),” seeks to modernize geology training by aligning academic programmes with labour market demands, emerging technologies, national development priorities and international best practices.

It is being implemented under the Sustainable Development of the Mineral Sector in Uganda (SDMU) programme, funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD).

Inception Workshop  

The initiative officially commenced with a three-day inception workshop held from 29^th June to 1^st July 2026 at Nyumbani Hotel in Kampala, where the project team developed a comprehensive implementation work plan. Over the next eight months, Makerere University will also engage qualified Geoscience Consultants to provide technical guidance throughout the curriculum review and development process.

Addressing the project team, the Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta emphasized the need to align all curricula with the principles of competence-based training.

Focus on Labour-market Aligned Training

According to the Project Coordinator, Dr Denis Mutebi, the reform will involve a comprehensive assessment of the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD programmes in Geology. “Working closely with mining companies, regulatory institutions, and artisanal mining associations, we will map workforce competencies, identify emerging industry skill requirements, analyze existing skills gaps, and benchmark our curricula against international standards.”

Shift Toward Practical-based Learning

One of the major reforms proposed is the restructuring of the programmes to emphasize practical learning. The revised curricula will consist of 30 percent theory, 50 percent practical training, and 20 percent fieldwork, while the PhD programme will be transformed into a taught-research model to better prepare graduates for industry and advanced research.

Industry-focused Short Courses

Beyond degree programmes, the Department will develop a series of industry-responsive short courses aimed at upgrading the skills of professionals already working across Uganda’s mineral value chain. The courses are expected to benefit between 150 and 200 environmental officers, artisanal and small-scale miners, mineral processors and other practitioners.

The proposed short courses will cover Fundamentals of Mineral Processing, Mineral Ore Size Reduction and Classification, Ore Beneficiation Techniques, Mineral Value Addition Techniques, Mineral Policy, Governance and Economics, and Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Practices in Mining and Processing.

Laboratory Upgrades and Capacity Building

Funding under the project will also support the upgrading of geology laboratories at Makerere University to enhance practical training, research and innovation.

In addition to reviewing curricula against global standards and conducting industry surveys, the project will embed critical competencies that are currently underrepresented, including mineral development, value addition, environmental stewardship and health and safety management. The project team believes the reforms could provide a model for curriculum transformation in other resource-rich African countries.

Expected Impact

Ultimately, the initiative is expected to improve graduate employability, reduce the mining industry’s dependence on foreign professionals and strengthen the capacity of Uganda’s existing workforce. By producing highly skilled geoscientists and upgrading the competencies of current practitioners, the reforms are expected to contribute significantly to sustainable mineral-led industrialization and economic transformation.

Project Team

1. Dr. Denis Mutebi – Project Coordinator
2. Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta – Compliance Lead
3. Dr Arthur Batte – Data Analyst, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Quality Assurance Lead
4. Dr. Ivan Ssewanyaga Mukiibi – Mining Industry Liaison and Skills Mapping Lead
5. Dr John Mary Kiberu – Accreditation, Programmes, and Logistics Lead
6. Dr Joan Nakajigo – Communication and Reporting Lead
7. Ms. Claire Birungi – Project Accountant

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