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Minister Kabanda launches training of Ghetto Youth by Mak

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A project aimed at equipping ghetto youth with entrepreneurial skills was on January 31, 2023 launched by the Minister of Kampala City Council Authority, Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda. The training will be conducted by researchers from the College of Education and External Studies led by Dr. Badru Musisi and Dr. Nalugwa Allen.

Dr. Musisi said the training would take twelve (12) weeks after which the trainees would be grouped and given capital and asked to start a business. This business will be monitored by the trainers in an effort to offer guidance where need be. The training will be two-faceted; it will also try to do mindset change by impressing it upon the youth that self-employment is a viable option. “When sending children to school, we think about them being job seekers and not creators. This needs to change,” Dr. Musisi said. 

KGYTEP Co-Principal Investigator, Dr. Badru Musisi speaks at the launch.
KGYTEP Co-Principal Investigator, Dr. Badru Musisi speaks at the launch.

Dr. Musisi said, only 50 youth will be trained in the first phase because of resource constraints. The target, in the long run, is to train 5,000 youth (1,000 from each of the five Divisions in Kampala).

He thanked the government for the funding and the University for the environment conducive to researchers. The project titled ‘Kampala Ghetto Youth Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (KGYTEP)is funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). It is hoped that the project will contribute to reduction of unemployment and crime in Kampala’s slum areas.

Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda smiles as she addresses the audience a the launch.
Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda smiles as she addresses the audience a the launch.

Minister Hajjat Kabanda welcomed the training saying, “By 2030, we don’t want to have ghettos in Kampala,” she said. She asked the youth to utilize the opportunity given to them. She reminded the youth that the government had started appreciating the ghetto by appointing 3 RDCs from that area. “Let us use this opportunity to get ourselves and our friends out of the ghetto,” she emphasized. She called on the youth to register and benefit from government programs such as the Parish Development Model and the Emyooga. This she said, however, requires that they have National IDs. She then encouraged them to register so that they can exercise their civic duty of voting for their leaders. She encouraged them to be enterprising, hardworking and avoid crime.

Hajjat Kabanda, who referred to herself as ‘Maama Ghetto’ asked the youth to embrace government’s skilling programs and other such poverty eradication programs.

She thanked the research team and Makerere University for contributing to government projects by trying to create employment for Ugandans. She pledged KCCA’s support to the project and the struggle to move towards a middle income economy.

L-R: Prof. Eria Hisali, Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda and Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi at the launch.
L-R: Prof. Eria Hisali, Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda and Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi at the launch.

The Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. Eria Hisali, who represented the Vice Chancellor, thanked the Minister for making the time to open the training and also congratulated the research team for undertaking something relevant to society. He thanked the government for the financial support to the university and Mak-RIF for making resources available for the project. Prof. Hisali advised the different agencies to work together to achieve the intended goals. He advised the project team to work with KCCA, Uganda Police, State House and any such organizations with interest in ghetto youth.

Prof. Hisali informed the youth about the new Innovations Hub being established at Makerere University with funding from UNDP.  He advised the youth to utilize the facility which will be an incubation centre for innovative ideas and products.

The 50 Ghetto Youth set to benefit from KGYTEP pose for a group photo with officials at the launch.
The 50 Ghetto Youth set to benefit from KGYTEP pose for a group photo with officials at the launch.

The Deputy Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Bisaso Ronald said the strategic direction of the university in the next 10 years calls for community engagements, so it was humbling to see his staff contributing to this goal. “We believe that this training will impact the youth and also significantly change our research models,” he said. He emphasized the need for the trainees to be innovative if they are to succeed in the area of self-employment.  

The Chair Grants Management Committee (GMC) of Mak-RIF, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, informed the congregation that the fund had changed its focus to commercialization and PhD research. He congratulated the research team and also appreciated the Minister for sparing time to preside over the launch of the training. The government allocates UShs30 billion annually to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Education

U.S Ambassador William Popp calls on universities to build active citizens

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The U.S Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp, has called on institutions of higher learning to groom and shape active citizens. The ambassador was delivering a keynote address at the Annual Prof. William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture, held on Thursday October 3, 2024 at Makerere University’s Yusuf Lule Auditorium.

“Higher education is not just about earning degrees; it is about cultivating the skills and values that create active, engaged citizens who can contribute to a better world,” H.E. William W. Popp said.

Chairperson Mak Council Mrs. Lorna Magara(2nd L), Amb. William Popp, Ms Amy Petersen, and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe after a short meeting.

Ambassador Popp emphasized the crucial role universities play in nurturing responsible citizens. By fostering debate, advocacy and governance participation, universities equip students with the tools needed for leadership in their communities and beyond. “Universities are essential for promoting civic participation, critical thinking, and informed citizenship—key components of a healthy democracy. A vibrant democracy relies on citizens who can engage constructively and peacefully with each other and their leaders,” he explained.

Ambassador William W. Popp(2nd L),Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe,, Amy Petersen walk to the venue for the Public Lecture after a courtesy call on Vice Chancellor.

He elaborated on how universities contribute to civic education by offering courses in disciplines like political science, history, and sociology. These programs inform students about democratic systems, civil rights, and global issues, while also providing platforms for interaction with current and former political leaders, he said.

Mr. Wasswa Kajubi (flanked by family members) speaking on behalf of the family of Senteza Kajubi.

Ambassador Popp highlighted the importance of fostering critical thinking and debate. “By engaging in discussions around complex issues, students learn to form informed opinions and engage in responsible democratic discourse.” He noted that universities empower individuals through education, internships, and student councils, laying the groundwork for active and informed citizenship. “History shows that universities are incubators of social movements, where students challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that benefit society.”

Panel discussants

Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, Director of the Law Development Centre, reinforced these points by outlining three core roles of universities: teaching, applied research, and community engagement. “We must reflect on how well we are fulfilling these responsibilities,” she urged, encouraging students to adopt a lifelong learning mindset and recognize that no one can know everything.

Panel Discussants, Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra(2nd L) Dr. Ruth Biyinzika(2nd R) and Guild President Vincent Nsamba(Extreme Right).

Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, Coordinator of the GROW Project at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), shared insights on various opportunities available to students that can help them navigate their career paths. She also called on parents to actively engage in shaping their children’s educational journeys before they transition to higher education institutions.

Amb. Wasswa Birigwa, a politician and businessman contribute to the discussion.

In honoring the legacy of Prof. Senteza Kajubi, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised him as one of Uganda’s most influential educationists. A two-time Vice Chancellor and the first Fulbright from Uganda, Prof. Kajubi opened doors for many African students to benefit from the Fulbright scholarship. Prof. Nawangwe recalled his personal friendship with Kajubi, highlighting the wisdom he gained from him.

During Uganda’s struggle with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Prof. Kajubi played a pivotal role in establishing a partnership between Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University in the U.S., which helped train staff to manage the crisis. “The first COVID-19 testing kits we received at Mulago Hospital were donated by Case Western Reserve University—400,000 free kits,” noted Prof. Nawangwe, emphasizing the enduring impact of Prof. Kajubi’s contributions to Makerere University and Uganda.

Ambassador Popp in a group photo with Senteza Kajubi Family, Mak Management and panelists.

Through these discussions, the lecture underscored the vital role of higher education in not only developing individual capabilities but also fostering a more engaged and informed citizenry, ultimately contributing to a stronger democracy.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Scholars Design Competencies to Guide Secondary School Teachers Under New Curriculum

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The research team from Left to Right: Dr. Edward Kansiime, Dr. Yuda Taddeo Kaahwa, Dr. Rebecca Nambi and Dr. Richard Balikoowa. Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project to develop a set of competencies to guide graduate secondary school teachers in Uganda, focusing on effectively teaching students under the new lower secondary curriculum, Research Dissemination, 12th September 2024, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Scholars at Makerere University have developed a set of competencies to guide graduate secondary school teachers in Uganda, focusing on effectively teaching students under the new lower secondary curriculum. The initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Yuda Taddeo Kaahwa as Principal Investigator (PI), includes contributions from Dr. Rebecca Nambi, Dr. Richard Balikoowa, Mr. Edward Kansiime, and Mr. Cale Santus.

This research project, funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), gathered data from teachers, head teachers, and curriculum specialists across various regions. The findings were unveiled on September 12, 2024, during a dissemination workshop at Makerere University.

“Our research found that most teachers are still using the old curriculum and are not meeting the required standards for teaching under the new lower secondary curriculum,” Dr. Kaahwa revealed. He emphasized the need for a paradigm shift, highlighting that the new curriculum requires a learner-centered approach, unlike the traditional teacher-centered methods.

The survey was conducted across 15 schools, with 25 participants from each institution, as well as 30 curriculum specialists. The study revealed significant gaps in the teachers’ readiness to implement the new Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC), as many were trained under the old curriculum.

To address this, the scholars have outlined plans for training sessions at teacher training institutions, aiming to equip future educators with the skills necessary to meet the new curriculum’s demands. Dr. Kaahwa called for government support to ensure the successful implementation of this project, which has so far focused on teachers in the Humanities, Sciences, History, and Languages.

“A secondary school teacher must be creative, with excellent communication skills, to effectively convey knowledge to their learners,” Dr. Kaahwa stated, also stressing the importance of integrating technology into the learning process. He noted that the new curriculum’s learner-centered approach emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, making teacher creativity and adaptability vital.

Dr. Richard Balikoowa proposed the creation of discussion groups among teachers to foster interpersonal communication skills and boost learner confidence. “Teachers must possess diverse knowledge in their disciplines and be able to identify and nurture their learners’ strengths and weaknesses,” he added.

The research, which began in 2022 following the introduction of the new curriculum, found that many teachers lacked a deep understanding of the competencies required for the CBC. This gap is largely due to teachers being trained in the outdated curriculum and needing time to “relearn” the new teaching strategies.

Participants pose for a group photo at the event. Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)-funded project to develop a set of competencies to guide graduate secondary school teachers in Uganda, focusing on effectively teaching students under the new lower secondary curriculum, Research Dissemination, 12th September 2024, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), commended the scholars for their impactful research, which is poised to drive significant progress in Uganda’s education system. He highlighted the project as a crucial step toward improving teacher effectiveness under the new curriculum.

Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Chairperson of Mak-RIF, also praised the project, labeling it one of the most successful initiatives aimed at enhancing the competence profile of graduate secondary teachers in Uganda. He pledged ongoing support to ensure the project’s successful implementation, with the goal of shifting teacher practices to align with the new curriculum’s objectives.

However, challenges remain in ensuring widespread adoption of the new curriculum, particularly in private schools, where teachers are often unable or unwilling to attend government-organized training sessions. Nansana Municipal Inspector of Schools, Mr. Patrick Desire Nsubuga, emphasized the need for collective action from all stakeholders. “If we all agree to acquire the necessary skills, our children will better understand the curriculum,” he said.

Mr. Kinosa Daniel Mutumba, a teacher at Walibo Seed Secondary School in Luuka District, urged the government to deploy facilitators with in-depth knowledge of the new curriculum. “Some facilitators lack the expertise needed to guide teachers, which ultimately affects learners, especially when it comes to interpreting complex scenario-based questions in humanities subjects,” Mr. Mutumba remarked.

He also called on the government to provide more funding to fully implement the new curriculum and to increase the number of instructors available to train teachers in different districts.

As scholars continue refining the competencies and training frameworks, the hope is that teachers across Uganda will be better equipped to provide high-quality education under the Competence-Based Curriculum, thereby improving learning outcomes for students nationwide.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Education

Empowering Educators: Makerere University Hosts Digital Education Training for Uganda’s Lecturers

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Participants pose for a group photo with the facilitators from University of Edinburgh - Dr. Michael Gallagher and Dr. Peter Evans. Specialized training on research methodology and the presentation of research findings as part of the Digital Education Practitioner Networks, supported by the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, 1st-3rd September 2024, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Conference Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

In a significant step towards advancing digital education in Uganda, 12 lecturers from various universities across the country recently convened at Makerere University for specialized training on research methodology and the presentation of research findings. The training, part of the Digital Education Practitioner Networks, is supported by the University of Edinburgh’s MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to build digital capacity and foster practitioner networks across higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. The project, hosted by the University of Edinburgh in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, emphasizes inclusion, focusing on educators who serve traditionally underrepresented groups, such as women, individuals with disabilities, and forcibly displaced populations.

Held at the College of Business and Management Sciences from September 1 to 3, 2024, the training was facilitated by two esteemed lecturers from the University of Edinburgh—Dr. Michael Gallagher and Dr. Peter Evans. Over the course of three days, the participating educators engaged in immersive sessions that honed their digital pedagogy skills, curriculum design techniques, and use of cutting-edge educational technologies.

This was an intensive three days of teaching, learning and discussion that was very valuable to the Scholars but also for us in better understanding the context of digital education in higher education in Uganda.

Mastercard Foundation Scholar, Alice Nakalema, lecturer from Bugema University and a participant in the program, highlighted how the training has broadened her understanding of educational mobility, online assessments, and the role of feedback in learning. “There is a wealth of information online,” Nakalema noted, adding that tools such as Miro boards have enriched her personal learning experience.

Dr. Sarah Bimbona, from Makerere University, also a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, shared her enthusiasm for the course, which she believes has given her a competitive edge in her teaching career. “Although I am a teacher, I wasn’t really grounded in education. This training has provided me with the digital pedagogy skills, curriculum design insights, and the use of educational technologies that I needed,” she explained.

Dr. Bimbona is committed to using her newfound knowledge to stay abreast of the latest trends in digital education, with the goal of transforming her teaching methods and enhancing the learning experience of her students.

The Digital Education Practitioner Networks project is one of three key work packages under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, aimed at empowering educators and driving inclusion in higher education. Through initiatives like these, the future of education in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa is becoming more equitable, digitally enhanced, and forward-thinking.

Makerere University, as a key partner in this program, remains dedicated to leading efforts in digital education transformation, creating avenues for innovation, and strengthening the capacity of educators to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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