University leaders from across the country convened at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono for the 77th General Meeting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum, where the urgent transition to Competence-Based Education (CBE) dominated discussions. With the government mandating that higher education institutions align their programmes with the new skills-focused curriculum by the 2027/2028 academic year, vice chancellors and deputies emphasized the need for rapid preparation while highlighting significant hurdles.
The meeting, attended by representatives from 55 of Uganda's 60 registered universities both public and private marked a strategic gathering for the 25-year-old Forum, which serves as the primary platform for addressing sector-wide challenges.
Prof. Paul Waako, Chairperson of the Vice Chancellors’ Forum and Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, announced that universities have been directed to begin implementing the new system in the 2027/2028 academic year. "This directive requires us to start the new system in 2027/2028," he said. To meet the timeline, the Forum has established various committees to thoroughly study and review the curriculum contents.
Prof. Waako noted that lecturer training has already commenced, as many academics remain unfamiliar with the CBE approach. He praised the shift, stating that the previous knowledge-heavy system often produced graduates lacking practical skills. "In the past, many students graduated from universities without any practical skills. Now, a graduate will leave with marketable, hands-on competencies," he explained.
However, he acknowledged major obstacles, including inadequate funding, insufficient laboratories, the need for more lecturers, and other resource constraints that could impede effective rollout.
Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor of host institution UCU, described the transition as a "complete overhaul" of the education system. While welcoming CBE for addressing longstanding shortcomings in the old model, he questioned the preparation timeline. "Although the government had been planning this curriculum for a long time, giving universities only one year to prepare is too short and requires thorough study," he said.
Despite the tight deadline, Prof. Mushengyezi expressed optimism, noting that universities are realigning curricula, retraining staff, and upgrading practical facilities such as laboratories to accommodate incoming students already trained under competence-based systems at lower levels. "This model is designed to equip learners with practical, hands-on skills and the competencies needed to thrive in the modern workforce," he added.
Dr. Olive Sabiti, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Cavendish University Uganda, pointed out that aspects of competence-based learning have already been introduced at lower education levels, but universities face limited time and funding demands. "The review has shown that universities have very limited time, yet every aspect of the curriculum requires funding," she said. She raised concerns about lecturer training costs, extended time for practical work and internships, and ensuring students fully master competencies before advancing.
The discussions also featured regional collaboration efforts. Prof. James Njiru, Executive Director and CEO of the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) a partnership between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)—highlighted AICAD's role in building capacity for development challenges like agriculture and poverty reduction.
Gaston Ampe, AICAD's Country Director, pledged support for lecturer training on CBE delivery, with funding from partner countries and regional ministries of education.
The government’s push for CBE in higher education follows its phased rollout starting at lower secondary levels in 2020, aiming to produce graduates with demonstrable skills rather than rote knowledge. The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has approved minimum standards for implementation, requiring full alignment for first-year intakes in 2027/2028.
While university leaders remain committed to rising to the challenge, the consensus at the Mukono meeting was clear: success hinges on addressing funding shortfalls, infrastructure gaps, and capacity building to ensure the ambitious reform delivers on its promise of a more employable and skilled graduate workforce.
The Forum's committees are now tasked with driving forward the preparations, with ongoing collaboration expected between institutions, government regulators, and regional partners.
