Education
UNESCO CFIT III, Transforming Higher Education through Innovation and Competence-Based Skills
Makerere University hosted an insightful and educational national workshop at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) conference hall on July 29, 2025 aimed at citing ways how Higher Education can be improved into innovation and research-led learning as well as how education can be changed from the traditional learning to competence-based learning. The workshop was based on the theme, “Reimagining Higher Education for a Skills-Based, Innovation-Led Economy”.
The event commenced with a tour of exhibitions which featured innovations like, skin care products (With love) body jelly created by Raphaelina Okoth a student from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, designed to provide effective hydration for different skin types, and an AI powered medical diagnosis system (Integrated healthcare system) designed to reduce waiting times in health care settings, featuring emergency management capabilities and patient doctor communication tools developed by Hargreave Aturinzire a student from the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS). Other innovations included Mobile App similar to Uber that helps users find trustworthy mechanics in case a car breaks down in an emergency, reducing delays and inconveniences through features like voice support and photo uploads, developed by students based at the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). Developed by Bill Canton Ojoke and Nanzala Joyce. M both students from CEDAT, a water quality testing prototype for fish farmers that automatically monitors parameters like temperature, PH, and ammonia levels sending SMS alerts when issues are detected was also showcased. Also exhibited was an automated precision irrigation system designed to solve issues of over and under irrigation problems, developed by students from College of Health Sciences (CHS) and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) among others.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, expressed his appreciation to the citizens and Government of the People’s Republic of China who made the funds available to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to undertake the important assignment, the China Funds In Trust (CFIT) project. He further thanked the government of Uganda for supporting innovations and technology taking place at different universities.
“I am really encouraged that they are still some Ugandans who receive other people’s money and put it to good use; they are people with integrity which helps our country to move forward,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
He made mention of the success of other countries like South Korea and China in innovation and the need for Uganda to follow suit as this will boost the economy of the country, and demonstrate the importance of promoting innovation and research.
He emphasized the importance of creating jobs for the growing youth population to stabilize the state of Uganda, a task that is upon Ugandans themselves and not anybody else from any country, “The bulk of industrialization in Uganda must be by Ugandans and particularly the young people who have had the opportunity to get higher education, especially in innovation and research related fields,” he said. “History will judge us harshly if we don’t do anything to create jobs for our people,” he argued.
The Vice Chancellor discussed the challenge of low enrollment in higher education in Uganda and the need to produce more engineers and technologists. “We need to put our efforts together in order to have a reasonable impact,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe called for collaboration among universities to have a significant impact on industrialization and job creation. He highlighted the role of Mak UniPod in producing companies and creating jobs. “I believe that through the training our students and staff undergo at the UniPod, we are going to begin churning out companies”, said Prof. Nawangwe.
He sounded a wakeup call on the importance of using current resources to make an impact and the potential risks of relying on external aid. “This is not going to be there all the time as the funders can wake up in the morning and freeze all the funds”, said the Vice Chancellor. He said this in relation to the United States of America’s act of withdrawing their funding from UNESCO. “This should be a very good lesson,” he commented.
Deputy Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Prof. Nixon Kamukama highlighted the success of the project, mentioning that six African countries participated, with Mbarara University and Makerere University being chosen from Uganda.
“Traditional lecture methods are being replaced with hands-on, student-centered training, the emphasis is on practical skills, with more time spent in the field rather than lecture halls”, he stated.
He further explained the training of lecturers under the CFIT project, with two cohorts completing the training and receiving certificates. This is in line with skilling and preparing for the students doing the new curriculum who are coming on board. “And it is our policy that as a lecturer, if you don’t have a certificate when it comes to 2027, it will be hard for you to appear on the timetable, because you will have no skills”, said Prof. Nixon.
However, he discussed the challenges of matching traditional lecturers with students trained in competence-based education. “It would be very difficult to match the traditional lecturer and the student who has trained differently”, he said.
He went on and said that there is a mismatch in training approaches, particularly affecting education students who struggle to find employment. Schools are finding it very difficult to employ Students who are doing education because they have not been taken through the competence-based curriculum”, he expressed.
He however encouraged the government to address employment issues by supporting competency-based education whereby a student can manage to start up a project and move on instead of looking for jobs.
Prof. Kamukama also emphasized the need for practical training. “You need farms that will engage all these students, 80% of the time should be spent in the field. We have to take lecture rooms to the industries or bring industries to the lecture rooms”, he stated.
He explained that traditional lecture methods are becoming obsolete, with a shift towards hands-on training. “Soon lecturers and professors are going to put aside their yellow notes and we move on”, he said.
He acknowledged the role of artificial intelligence in education with a focus on practical skills.
Mr. Timothy Ssejjoba, the Commissioner University Education and Training in the Ministry of Education and Sports, expressed gratitude to UNESCO for their coordination efforts and securing funds from the People’s Republic of China.
In his remarks, he highlighted the focus on competence-based assessment systems to prepare students for employment. “I think this project is really leading higher technical education into employment”, he stated.
Mr. Ssejjoba introduced the concept of green skills and their importance in creating a sustainable world. “We need to ensure that whatever we do, we do it in a way that would enable the world to be here long after us”, he commented.
He further mentioned the upcoming training on green skills to ensure that the education system empowers learners to sustainably develop the world. In this he emphasized the need for the education system to support and embrace green skills development.
Mrs. Nasaba Rosemary a representative from UNESCO, congratulated Makerere University and MUST upon their competence based education initiatives. And on this note, she emphasized the importance of celebrating success and innovation in education.
She further mentioned the pride felt by UNESCO due to the universities’ achievements and hoped that the successful model will be replicated across all universities and schools in Uganda.
The UNESCO representative discussed the importance of hands on learning and practical experience in education. “We need people who have learned from experience, that’s why we are very proud that you are looking at competence and hands on approaches”, she stated.
On Thursday 23rd April 2026, people from different spheres of life, filled the Makerere University Main Hall to the brim, while other friends, partners and admirers, followed the proceedings virtually in a display of love and continuity, in honour of the legacy of Professor George William Senteza Kajubi, a distinguished scholar and educationist.
Prof. George William Senteza Kajubi, respected for being the first African Fulbright Scholar, served as a Vice Chancellor at Makerere University from 1977 to 1979, and 1990 to 1993.
He passed away on 1st May 2012, but his good works, knowledge, vocation, continue to inspire countless individuals across the globe.
Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy
The 6th Annual Professor Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture brought onboard the family of the late, the US Ambassador to Uganda, senior government officials, the Vice Chancellor and members of the University Management, the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum, academics, staff, alumni, university and secondary school students, and international partners. All gathered for a detailed reflection on Uganda’s education system under the theme “Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy.”
The lecture, organised by the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) at Makerere University in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda and the Fulbright Program, evolved into a wide-ranging policy dialogue on curriculum reform, student learning outcomes, teacher training, digital transformation, and the legacy of Prof. William Senteza Kajubi.
Speakers repeatedly cited Kajubi’s 1989 Education Policy Review Commission Report, which many described as the foundation of modern Uganda’s education architecture, including the 1992 Government White Paper on Education for National Development.
Senteza Kajubi was a pioneering intellectual and reformer
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe re-affirmed Senteza Kajubi’s intellectual depth and policy influence and shared personal reflections on his legacy.
“Prof. Senteza Kajubi was an exceptional intellectual. I had the opportunity to travel with him for two weeks—witnessing his depth of intelligence, clarity of thought, and remarkable generosity in sharing knowledge.”
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized Senteza Kajubi’s contribution to Uganda’s education policy framework. “Prof. Senteza Kajubi authored the 1989 Education Policy Review Commission Report—still one of the most comprehensive analyses of Uganda’s education system. Many reforms today echo his forward-looking recommendations.”
Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Senteza Kajubi’s leadership at Makerere, where he served as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University at critical moments, shaping the institution into what it is today.
On international cooperation, Prof. Nawangwe stated that the United States remains central to Uganda’s development. The Vice Chancellor, acknowledged the U.S for being a strong supporter of education and research at Makerere University. He then welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E William Popp, to address the congregation, at Makerere University Main Hall.
Education is a bridge between nations
The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William Popp, framed the lecture within the broader philosophy of international education exchange. “Education is one of the most powerful instruments for promoting relations between people and building bridges across cultures,” he said.
The Ambassador highlighted Senteza Kajubi’s historic role in the Fulbright Program: “Professor Senteza Kajubi was the first Fulbright scholar from Africa. He bridged two worlds and returned not only with knowledge, but with a vision for what Ugandan education could become.”
He emphasized education as a tool for transformation: “Education policy must serve students—the young people whose families and nations depend on them.”
He argued that education systems must prepare learners for an uncertain future: “Students must be prepared not only for today’s jobs, but for careers that do not yet exist.”
H.E. Popp stressed the dual nature of education: “The best education provides technical skills for employment and develops creativity, independent thinking, and problem-solving abilities” he said, adding “Let us honour the legacies of Senator Fulbright and Professor Kajubi not only in words, but in action.”
Senteza Kajubi remains the foundation of Uganda’s education reforms
Prof. Anthony M. Mugagga, Principal of CEES, described Prof. William Senteza Kajubi as central to Uganda’s education system design and reform trajectory.
“It is very hard to talk about education reforms in Uganda without mentioning the name William Senteza Kajubi,” Prof. Mugagga said. “For over thirty years, Uganda’s education system has had as its fulcrum the Kajubi Report (1989) and the resultant Uganda Government White Paper on Education for National Development (1992).”
He emphasized that Senteza Kajubi’s influence extended beyond policy documents into the broader transformation of Ugandan society. “His vision and dedication to education have had a lasting impact on Uganda, not only as an education system, but also on the entire Ugandan polity served by this system.”
Prof. Mugagga described Senteza Kajubi as a “beacon of academic excellence” and highlighted his leadership roles at Makerere University during periods of institutional and national crisis.
“His leadership, particularly during challenging times, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering a higher education system that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in responsibility, ethics, and civic engagement.”
He connected Senteza Kajubi’s philosophy to the current reforms in the education sector, which provide a transition to the competence-based curriculum.
Reflecting on Senteza Kajubi’s legacy, Prof. Mugagga stressed that universities must remain relevant by engaging in continuous policy dialogue. “The only way the College of Education and External Studies can justify its existence is by engaging in meaningful dialogue about education policy reforms from pre-primary to university level.”
“Implementation defines policy success”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, Executive Director of Uwezo Uganda, described Kajubi’s policy legacy as the backbone of Uganda’s education system. “A policy is as good as its implementation,” she stated.
She outlined the foundational principles of the 1989 Commission: “Education is for everyone, and education should produce responsible citizens.”
She explained that Senteza Kajubi’s reforms prioritized inclusion and equity: “The commission emphasized universal access, teacher training, foundational learning, and inclusion of marginalized groups.”
She warned that Uganda faces persistent learning gaps: “Even at Primary Seven, some learners cannot read basic texts.”
She criticized the overemphasis on enrolment over learning outcomes: “For too long, the focus has been on access rather than whether children are actually learning.”
Dr. Nakabugo called for systemic reforms: “We must strengthen school management, expand pre-primary education, and invest in inclusive learning systems.” She stressed: “If we are to honour Professor Senteza Kajubi’s legacy, we must ensure that every child not only enters school, but succeeds in it.”
Senteza Kajubi’s vision was holistic education for life
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVCF), offered a deeply reflective account of Senteza Kajubi’s philosophy of education, grounded in five core pillars.
He recalled first meeting Senteza Kajubi in 1960: “I first met Professor Senteza Kajubi when I was in Senior One at Makerere College School. He was among the top student teachers at the time.”
Prof. Lugujjo explained Senteza Kajubi’s core educational philosophy: “He emphasized that learning should involve and engage the learners. Students must be confident, know what they want, and express themselves clearly.”
To drive home the point, Prof. Lugujjo informed the audience in the Main Hall and those following the lecture virtually, that Prof. Senteza Kajubi always emphasized the need for student confidence: “He told us to look people in the eye when speaking. That built confidence in us.”
He outlined the five pillars of Kajubi’s education philosophy: “Learning to be, learning to know, learning to do, learning to learn, and learning to live together.”
He emphasized lifelong learning: “Learning should never stop, especially in developing countries where skills must continuously evolve”, and concluded by reiterating “Education should produce confident, skilled, adaptable, and socially responsible individuals.”
Technology must remain human-centred.
Dr. Richard Scott Nokes, a Full Professor of English at Troy University and currently a Fulbright Scholar in Uganda, situated education within historical technological transformations. “Technology must serve the human. The human must never serve the technology.”
He examined the evolution of education through three major shifts: the printing press, global mobility through Fulbright exchanges, and digital technologies.
On online learning: “Students can now learn across continents without travelling, but the classroom community has weakened.”
On artificial intelligence, he emphasized the need for balance:“We need AI that knows Uganda and the world—not one or the other,” he pointed out. “None of these technologies teach by themselves. They are tools we use to teach one another” he added.
Senteza Kajubi as a man of culture, humility, and access
Representing the family, Beverley Nambozo, Prof. Senteza Kajubi’s eldest granddaughter and founder of the Babishai Niwe (BN) Poetry, delivered a personal tribute.
“Professor Senteza Kajubi was a gentleman who carried much of the legacy of Africa’s Fulbright experience on his shoulders in the 1950s.”
She recounted his experience studying in the United States: “He spoke about long bus rides across Chicago and the challenges he faced as a young man abroad.”
She highlighted his support for education and literature: “Every time I published a book, he would buy at least five copies.”
She emphasised his inclusive philosophy: “He spoke to gardeners and household workers about their views on education” and concluded with a quote “Time stays and we go, but time cannot erase the legacy we create.”
During a panel discussion, moderator Dr. Leah Namatome-Sikoyo, a member of faculty at CEES, emphasized collective responsibility in education reform. “To realise transformative education, everyone has a role to play—government, policymakers, teachers, learners, parents, and citizens.”
The 2026 Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture reaffirmed Kajubi’s central role in shaping Uganda’s education system and highlighted urgent challenges in implementation, learning quality, inclusivity, and digital transformation.
The family of the late Prof. Senteza Kajubi and the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, commended the Organizing Committee chaired by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Ronald Bisaso for the excellent planning, coordination and execution.
Event Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCS7up
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.
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