Education
Celebrating Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi’s Legacy: A Call for Linguistic Innovation and Digital Transformation
Makerere University College of Education and External Studies in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom Ministry of Heritage and Palaces hosted an inaugural memorial lecture to honour the late Professor Livingstone Walusimbi, whose ground breaking contributions to African languages have left an indelible mark on the field. Themed “Building Sustainable Futures: Bridging Prof. Walusimbi’s Linguistic Legacy with Digital Transformation,“ the event provided a profound moment of reflection on the transformative power of language and its pivotal role in shaping societies.
Held on February 27, 2025 at Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium, the memorial lecture provided a befitting platform to celebrate Prof. Walusimbi’s legacy and selfless service in advocating for and advancing the recognition of Luganda and African languages at Makerere University and other academic institutions. The month of February is dedicated to mother tongues and African languages. It was therefore a perfect decision to hold the inaugural memorial lecture during the month of February. According to Wikipedia, the International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21st February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.
The hybrid lecture featured Anthems led by Buddo Senior Secondary School, a prayer led by Rev. Juliet Ssekamate from Wampeewo Church of Uganda, and a powerful poem with words that symbolized the good works of Prof. Walusimbi and a pledge by those he mentored and the future generations to keep his legacy alive, recited with love and emotion by Mr. Aloysius Matovu Joy (a former student of Professor Walusimbi), speeches, a keynote speech and a panel discussion.
The lecture brought on board dignitaries from Buganda Kingdom and other cultural institutions, the family of Prof. Walusimbi, the academia, scholars, educators, learners from primary schools, students and teachers from various secondary schools, institutes and universities, Bakayimbira Dramactors, the media, individuals mentored by Prof. Walusimbi, alongside leading experts in linguistics. The lecture presented a golden opportunity to honor his legacy while exploring the continued relevance of his work in the context of today’s rapidly advancing digital age.
Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi’s academic journey was marked by an unwavering dedication to linguistic excellence and education. Born on 23rd March 1935, his early experiences in the Ugandan school system during the 1940s and 1950s laid the ground work for what would become a lifelong vocation in education. Beginning his career as a Grade III teacher at the National Teachers’ College in Kyambogo in 1958, he demonstrated from the outset a deep-seated passion for teaching and learning-an attachment that would drive him to pursue advanced studies abroad, ultimately earning him a certificate from Leicester University in 1962, a diploma from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1969, and culminating in a master’s degree in Linguistics in 1971 followed by a PhD in 1976.
Through these rigorous academic pursuits, Prof. Walusimbi not only solidified his place as a distinguished scholar, but also laid the foundation for his lifelong contributions to linguistics and language education.
Beyond his academic achievements, Prof. Walusimbi played a pivotal role in integrating Uganda’s indigenous languages into the university’s curriculum. Understanding the crucial need to preserve and promote the nation’s linguistic heritage, he spearheaded the introduction of courses in Luganda, Runyakitara, Ateso, and Luo. His efforts not only enriched the academic landscape at Makerere University, but also made a significant contribution to the cultural vibrancy of Uganda’s higher education system.
The Chief Guest, Owek. Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere, former Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, lauded Prof. Walusimbi for his tireless efforts in promoting African languages, particularly Luganda, which continue to shape Uganda’s linguistic landscape. Speaking on behalf of the Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, Owek. Mulwanyammuli offered profound reflections on the pivotal role of language in preserving culture and driving socio-economic development.
At the core of his address was the critical role of language in defining identity and fostering unity in the community. “A community without language and culture is a lost group,” Owek. Mulwanyammuli stated, emphasizing the necessity of nurturing indigenous languages as vital to the socio-economic transformation of societies. African languages, he argued, are not only markers of identity, but also powerful tools for development, promoting community cohesion and progress.
The former premier celebrated Prof. Walusimbi’s remarkable contributions, noting that he was a steadfast advocate for the academic recognition and preservation of African languages, particularly at a time when many dismissed them as unworthy of scholarly attention. Prof. Walusimbi’s groundbreaking work to have Luganda and other indigenous languages taught at universities has created a lasting impact, resulting in a generation of experts in these fields. His unwavering commitment has shaped the academic landscape, leaving behind a legacy of linguistic scholars continuing his mission.
Owek. Mulwanyammuli also addressed a contemporary challenge—the misconception that native speakers of a language are automatically experts. He stressed the importance of formal education in indigenous languages, particularly to guide the youth who are increasingly influenced by social media and globalization. “We need people like Professor Walusimbi to guide us, especially the youth,” he remarked, underscoring the need for academic support in teaching indigenous languages and culture.
Owek. Mulwanyammuli thus called for continued research into the relationship between indigenous languages, culture, and development. “We need to move with the times,” he urged, highlighting the potential of integrating indigenous languages into the evolving digital landscape. By doing so, he believes African languages can play a pivotal role in the continent’s economic and political transformation, serving as bridges to new technologies and innovations.
In her keynote address, Ms. Margret Nankinga, Coordinator of Luganda, Lusoga, and Lugwere Languages at the Language Commission of the African Union, emphasized the contributions of Prof. Walusimbi to the teaching of Luganda and African languages at Makerere University and other Universities as well as key issues of cultural identity, education and technological advancement.
She highlighted the impact of colonial-era policies that sought to diminish the role of mother tongues in education, labeling them as hindrances to academic success. These attitudes, which punished children for speaking their native languages, still re-occur today, inhibiting the growth of linguistic diversity. She stressed that Prof. Walusimbi defied these odds, dedicating his career to proving that African languages—specifically Luganda—could be vehicles for higher education and intellectual discourse.
She portrayed the significance of linguistic literacy, urging a revitalization of indigenous languages in both educational and technological contexts. Ms. Nankinga highlighted how, despite the historic stigmatization of mother tongues, languages such as Luganda have demonstrated adaptability. Prof. Walusimbi’s pioneering work in introducing Luganda at the university level exemplifies the potential of African languages to carry complex and high-level knowledge.
Drawing attention to the challenges of the 21st century, she warned of the digital divide, where African languages are at risk of being excluded from the digital revolution. “Are we capable of migrating our languages into the digital sphere?” Ms. Nankinga asked. She emphasized that in an age where social media, artificial intelligence, and ICT dominate global communication, it is crucial that African languages are not left behind. To preserve their cultural heritage and ensure their relevance in the future, African languages must evolve alongside technology.
“In this migration, someone may be sitting right next to you, yet they’re not truly present. They are in another world—the world of social media. Their attention is consumed by social media. Their body may be here, but their spirit and everything else have already migrated—that’s the term they use. So, how do we ensure that as they migrate, they carry our language with them? How do we ensure they carry our cultures? How do we ensure that our indigenous knowledge also migrates to the digital world, to social media, and the Internet?” she questioned.
Ms. Nankinga also underscored the importance of policy reform, calling for a shift in attitudes toward language education. She advocated for policies that provide economic value to indigenous languages and support their integration into the digital landscape. The example of the Bible being translated into 22 Ugandan languages was a powerful illustration of the richness of these languages and their capacity to convey complex ideas. Yet, much more needs to be done, she argued, particularly in the realms of scientific research and technological innovation.
She advocated for collaborative efforts among universities, researchers, and policymakers to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern innovation. “If we are to evolve, let us start with our languages,” Ms. Nankinga guided. She also pointed out the need for researchers to present their findings in African languages, making academic knowledge more accessible and relevant to local communities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, emphasized the significant impact of Prof. Walusimbi’s work on both the academic and cultural realms. He remarked that when Prof. Walusimbi joined Makerere University as a tutorial fellow in 1972, he entered an academic environment that had not yet fully recognized the intrinsic value of Ugandan and African languages. Prof. Walusimbi advocated for the inclusion of indigenous languages in the university curriculum, beginning with the introduction of Luganda as a formal subject in 1976.
The Vice Chancellor stated that Prof. Walusimbi’s academic journey at Makerere University exemplified both scholarly excellence and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of indigenous languages. His rapid progression from tutorial fellow to lecturer in 1975, senior lecturer, and ultimately, the first Ugandan to attain a professorship in linguistics in 1992, stands as a testament to his dedication and intellectual rigor. He explained that Prof. Walusimbi’s contribution to Makerere University extended far beyond his exemplary academic achievements.
“Recognizing the importance of community engagement, he established platforms such as the Baganda Nkobazambogo Students Association and co-founded the Luganda Language Society (Ekibiina ky’olulimi oluganda). These initiatives not only nurtured linguistic scholarship, but also promoted cultural pride and heritage among generations of Ugandans. His persistent outreach has indelibly changed the cultural and educational landscape of our nation,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe announced the University’s exciting new initiative that is aligned to integrating technology with language preservation. He highlighted a research project by researchers at Makerere University at the College of Education and External Studies who were developing an application to transcribe the Luganda language in real-time. This tool was designed to enable those with hearing impairments to read spoken Luganda on their screens. Prof. Nawangwe stated that this project was a true reflection of the kind of research-driven innovation that Prof. Walusimbi had championed throughout his life.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies represented by Prof. Paul Muyinda Birevu, acknowledged Prof. Walusimbi’s instrumental role in establishing the Department of Humanities and Language Education at the College. He stated that Prof. Walusimbi’s visionary leadership played a pivotal role in integrating rigorous linguistic scholarship with progressive pedagogical practices, creating a strong foundation for the study of languages. He added that by championing interdisciplinary research, Prof. Walusimbi set a benchmark for academic excellence in language education.
“His foresight and leadership were critical in leading these language studies in our curriculum. Through incorporating rigorous traditional linguistic scholarship in progressive pedagogical practices, he not only established a robust academic foundation for the study of languages, but also set a standard for interdisciplinary research. His commitment to multi-term education has reshaped education practices in Uganda,” Prof. Anthony Mugagga stated.
The Principal noted that Prof. Walusimbi was at the forefront of advocating for policies that promoted language instruction in local dialects, ensuring that Ugandan and other indigenous languages were integrated into formal education. This advocacy helped position language as more than just an academic discipline but as a fundamental tool for cultural preservation and social cohesion.
On a personal note, Prof. Mugagga shared that Prof. Walusimbi was not just an outstanding academic but also a compassionate mentor whose guidance left a profound impact on many scholars, including himself. He credited the late professor for instilling in him the belief that education transcends textbooks and lecture halls. According to him, Professor Walusimbi’s mentorship emphasized the importance of curiosity, identity, and ethical responsibility in academia. He noted that the late professor’s dedication to blending traditional values with innovative educational practices made him a model educator who fostered equity, intellectual rigor, and mutual respect among students and colleagues alike.
The Minister for Heritage and Palaces in the Buganda Kingdom, Dr. Anthony Wamala acknowledged the lasting contribution of Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi to the development of his mother tongue, to be specific Luganda.
The Minister described Prof. Walusimbi as the “father of modern Luganda language,” underscoring his pivotal role in ensuring that the study and teaching of Luganda received the academic recognition it deserved. “Through his effort in advocacy and mentorship, the teaching of our own language gained recognition at this great centre of academic excellence,” the Minister said.
The Minister emphasized that Prof. Walusimbi’s contributions went far beyond academic scholarship. His work laid a critical foundation for the continuity of Uganda’s heritage and cultural identity. “It is therefore incumbent upon us, the living, to protect and extend the vision and leadership of Professor Walusimbi,” the Minister urged, stressing the need for continued efforts in supporting the teaching and further development of Luganda.
Taking note of the modern technological advancements today, the Minister highlighted the potential to use these tools to further the transmission of Luganda. “We are blessed to live in a world with numerous technologies that we can exploit to pass on our language,” he remarked, pointing to mobile applications as one example of how technology could be harnessed to make learning and teaching Luganda more accessible, especially for younger generations and those from outside the region wishing to learn.
The Minister called on everyone, to not only celebrate Prof. Walusimbi’s achievements, but also to commit to embodying the values he championed. “Let us strive for excellence in our pursuits, serve our communities with proportion, and use our knowledge to build a more just and equitable world,” he stated. By doing so, the Minister affirmed that Prof. Walusimbi’s legacy would continue to inspire and guide future generations in the preservation and growth of Uganda’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
As the first recipient of a PhD in Luganda from Makerere University and the only professor specializing in the subject, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the inaugural lecture and a former student of Prof. Walusimbi praised his unwavering commitment to the development of Luganda and other African languages. He underscored the significance of Prof. Walusimbi’s work in advancing linguistic scholarship. He expressed the collective aspiration to see other Ugandan and African languages develop to the level of Luganda, highlighting how the late Professor’s efforts extended beyond Makerere University to impact the broader linguistic and educational landscape.
He said, “It is our wish to see Uganda and other African languages develop the way Luganda has developed. We are here to instruct on work that has been done by Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi.”
Prof. Masagazi Masaazi applauded the invaluable contributions of Uganda’s language teachers, recognizing their role in sustaining and expanding linguistic education through research, teaching, and publication. He further reflected on Professor Walusimbi’s groundbreaking achievements, explaining that his mentor did not merely study languages for academic interest, but worked tirelessly to develop structured programs in Luganda. Prof. Walusimbi, initially trained in English language and linguistics, conducted extensive research and pioneered the creation of Luganda language programs.
Mr. Aloysius Matovu Joy, a multifaceted Ugandan artist, one of the directors of Bakayimbira Dramactors and a former student of Prof. Walusimbi, in a poignant poetic tone called the populace to preserve and nurture the Luganda language, the mother tongue of many Ugandans. He re-echoed the importance of passing the language on to future generations, encouraging parents to teach their children not just to speak it, but to gain expertise and qualifications in it. He called for a broader recognition of the language, urging for books and knowledge in Luganda to multiply, thus safeguarding its future.
He recounted the invaluable role Professor Walusimbi played in his life, describing him as a nurturing figure who never let his students wither but instead helped them flourish. “He watered us, and we blossomed,” said Mr. Matovu, highlighting how the professor instilled in his students a profound love and respect for Luganda. According to Mr. Matovu, it was Professor Walusimbi who helped elevate the language, allowing it to surpass others, especially those that historically sought to suppress it.
Mr. Matovu praised Professor Walusimbi for being a fountain of wisdom, comparing him to a stone that, once ordinary, transformed into a mighty rock that stood out among others. “You became a father, mother, and grandparent to us, shaping us into the people we are today,” he said, conveying deep respect and admiration. He also underscored how Prof. Walusimbi not only made his students experts in the Luganda language, but also helped them become teachers and leaders in their own right.
Dr. Alice Joy Nabalamba, daughter of the late Prof. Walusimbi, on behalf of the family, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition of her father’s legacy. She emphasized that Makerere University was more than just a workplace for her father—it was his second home for over four decades. She extended special thanks to the organizing committee for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that Professor Walusimbi’s work is celebrated and remembered.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Nabalamba described her father as more than an educator; he was a mentor and a guardian of language and culture. His belief that language is deeply intertwined with identity and heritage fueled his relentless efforts to preserve indigenous languages. As an advocate for linguistic preservation, his work extended beyond academia to global platforms such as UNESCO, where he collaborated with experts to safeguard endangered languages. Dr. Nabalamba noted that he was acutely aware that the disappearance of a language equated to the loss of history, wisdom, and the very essence of a people.
Dr. Nabalamba called upon the multitude to carry forward her father’s vision. She urged scholars, educators, and language enthusiasts to continue his work by promoting indigenous languages, fostering education, and embracing kindness. In her words, “Today, as we honor him, I know he would not want us to dwell in sorrow. Instead, he would want us to continue with his work—to teach, to preserve, to serve, and most of all, to be kind to one another.”
In a panel discussion moderated by Dr. David Kabugo, the panelists namely Dr. Prosperous Nankindu, Dr. Ronald Kizito, and Prof. Abasi Kiyimba shared insights into the linguistic legacies of Professor Walusimbi and how to continue his work in preserving and promoting African languages in the digital era.
Dr. Ronald Kizito pointed out Prof. Walusimbi’s role in introducing Luganda at Makerere University, which later spread to other institutions. He noted that Prof. Walusimbi’s 1976 PhD dissertation from UCLA continues to be a valuable resource for their work, especially in training computers to recognize the syntax, grammar, and structure of Luganda. He emphasized how this laid the foundation for teaching computers to understand and process Luganda, making it accessible on a global scale. He also shared ongoing efforts at Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, where they are working on teaching machines to read, translate, and speak Luganda, ensuring that the younger generation can interact with technology in their native language.
Dr. Prosperous Nankindu mentioned the importance of preserving and promoting Luganda, highlighting the foundational work of Prof. Walusimbi in developing Luganda studies. She acknowledged his efforts in standardizing Luganda grammar and literature, which have greatly influenced language education in Uganda. Dr. Nankindu stressed the need for continued research and technological advancements to ensure that Luganda remains relevant in the digital age. She called for more initiatives to integrate Luganda into modern communication, education, and artificial intelligence, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
Prof. Abasi Kiyimba focused on Prof. Walusimbi’s great work in developing the Luganda language and its literature. He explained how Prof. Walusimbi helped set rules on how Luganda should be written and spoken correctly. He also worked on creating dictionaries and improving the language for teaching and learning. Prof. Kiyimba called upon the audience to continue researching and using modern technology to keep Luganda strong and relevant in schools and everyday life.
The well-attended lecture moderated by Ms Ritah Namisango and Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke from the College of Education and External Studies, ended with a prayer led by Bishop Hannington Mutebi, a member of Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi’s family.
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.
-
General2 weeks agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General4 days agoNational Merit Scholarship Undergraduate Admission List 2026/2027
-
Agriculture & Environment17 hours agoRe-Advertised Call for Applications: QCF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
-
General2 weeks agoA Graceful Exit: Makerere Celebrates Patience Mushengyezi’s 26 Years of Service
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoAfrica Climate Collaborative: Masters & PhD Scholarship Announcement Academic Year 2026/2027