Uganda’s education system is undergoing a necessary transformation from knowledge-based instruction to competence-based teaching. Competence-based curriculum (CBC) was announced in 2020 by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES), through the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC).
This approach emphasizes practical skills, creativity and problem-solving, ensuring that learners are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying what they know in real-world situations. For years, our classrooms have rewarded memorization more than mastery. As a result, many graduates leave Universities with impressive transcripts but limited workplace competence. A competence-based approach seeks to bridge this gap by aligning teaching and assessment with actual performance, innovation and lifelong learning.
Professionals and academics play a critical role in making this shift successful. Universities must invest in training educators, upgrading learning resources and designing curricula that reflect the needs of the job market. Teaching should move beyond lectures to include projects, simulations, and mentorship that foster hands-on learning. Makerere University’s College of Education and External Studies (CEES), through its Department of Science, Technology, and Vocational Education (DSTVE),
On Friday 18th July 2025, hosted a high-level workshop for secondary school administrators focused on the implementation and assessment of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in science subjects (Ritah Namisango). Equally, collaboration with industry is essential. Professional bodies and organizations can provide internships, mentorship and real-world challenges that allow students to apply classroom knowledge. This partnership ensures that what is taught in lecture halls is relevant to the evolving demands of the workplace.
Competence-based teaching is not just about changing what we teach but changing how we think about education. It requires us to value application over accumulation, understanding over memorization and skills over scores.
This mindset prepares graduates to become innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who can contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s social and economic development. As we work towards Vision 2040, competence-based teaching offers a strategic path to producing a skilled and adaptable workforce.
Let us, as professionals and academics, embrace this reform not as an obligation but as an opportunity to transform our classrooms into spaces where learning truly leads to competence and competence leads to progress. The success of CBC, will depend not just on policies or curricula, but also on the daily decisions, attitudes, and actions of school leaders across Uganda.
Katwesige Caroline
MBA 2, Strategy and Communication Option
Makerere University Business School