Innovative Proposals from Academia & Agricultural Research Institutes

The Commission received policy proposals for education from the universities and schools during the month of January 2024. The Commission also visited two agricultural institutions. 

The Education Policy Review Commission led by Honorable Amanya Mushega received policy proposals and recommendations from Dr. Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University; Mr. Ali Lwanga a former headteacher; Dr. Kisolo Lule, the Principal of Bukalasa Agricultural College; and Dr. Robert Ongom Okello, the Director of Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo. Some of the recommendations received are as follows:

·       Transform the Uganda National Examinations Board to focus on research, evaluation, assessment & development. Replace national examinations like PLE and UCE with continuous assessments, for a holistic evaluation of student progress. Introduce school transition certificates to mark significant educational milestones for students completing P7 & S4.

·       Restructure senior six (S6) examination with assessments comprising 50% from Continuous Assessments (CAs) and 50% from final exams.

·       Establish school districts across Uganda, grouped by socio-economic characteristics, for a more targeted educational approach.

·       Integrate artificial intelligence and emerging technologies as a mandatory subject at all levels, preparing students for the future. Emphasize patriotism, community, and environmental responsiveness as essential subjects for all students.

·       Elevate the status of teachers to be among the top 3 essential workers in Uganda, with commensurate rewards and recognition.

·       Restructure university academic models around four pillars to ensure that higher education is at the cutting edge of innovation, relevance, and quality. The pillars are:  new emerging technologies, competency-based education, co-operative education, and entrepreneurship education.

·       Abolish boarding schools to allow learners to relate with the real world and its demands, such as interaction, socialization with diverse communities and age groups.

·       Institute a policy which requires the private sector to collaborate with universities on research.  The collaboration ensures that the research carried out by the university is relevant to the private sector.

·       Increase government funding to agricultural research institutions for recruitment of teaching and support staff, for construction of essential infrastructure such as laboratories, and the purchase of equipment, machines and repair of farm implements such as tractors, harvesters, etc.

·       Make agriculture compulsory up to secondary school only.  Students should be given the option to pursue agriculture by choice beyond secondary school.

In conclusion, the Education Policy Review Commission will continue holding public hearings, consultations and dialogue with key stakeholders across the country. The Commission gathers views and proposals about Uganda’s education and sports sector. The findings will be used to inform the formulation of a macro policy framework for human capital development in the country.