Uganda’s education system faces persistent challenges, including rote learning, unemployment among graduates and a mismatch between classroom instruction and societal needs.
The competency-based curriculum (CBC) is a transformative approach that addresses these gaps by prioritising skills, practical knowledge and real-world application over mere memorisation.
CBC is the key to nurturing innovative, employable and holistic learners who can drive Uganda’s development.
BEYOND CONTENT, FOCUS ON SKILLS
Traditional systems emphasise passing exams, leaving graduates unprepared for jobs or entrepreneurship.
CBC equips learners with critical thinking, problemsolving and creativity — skills demanded by employers.
Example: Instead of memorising math formulas, students apply them to design community projects (e.g budgeting for a local sanitation initiative).
RELEVANCE TO UGANDA’S ECONOMY
CBC aligns education with national goals (for instance, Vision 2040) by integrating agriculture, technology and vocational training into the curriculum.
Students graduate as job creators (for instance, launching agribusinesses) rather than job seekers.
INCLUSIVITY AND LEARNER- CENTERED APPROACH
CBC accommodates diverse learning paces and talents.
No child is left behind; those excelling in hands-on tasks (e.g carpentry or coding) thrive alongside academic achievers.
ASSESSMENT REFORM
Continuous assessment replaces high-stakes exams, reducing exam malpractice and stress, while measuring actual competency.
HOW CBC SKILLS LEARNERS
- Entrepreneurship: Learners develop business plans, prototype innovations, and access mentorship (for instance, our school’s partnership with local tech hubs).• Digital literacy: CBC integrates ICT, preparing students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• Soft skills: Teamwork, communication and ethics are embedded in lessons — traits valued in global workplaces.
• Sustainability focus: Projects on environmental conservation (e.g., waste recycling) instill responsibility.
The CBC is not just a curriculum; it’s a national investment in Uganda’s future.
For schools that have embraced CBC, learners have been transformed into problem-solvers, leaders and innovators.
By embracing this model, Uganda can rise above education inequities and produce graduates who are competent, confident, and capable of shaping a prosperous nation.
The writer is the director of studies at Rise and Shine High School
