Uganda Christian University (UCU) has announced that it is fully embracing the transition to competency – based education model.
According to Rev. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, this shift aims to produce graduates with practical, employable skills that meet the demands of the job market. The new approach emphasizes knowledge application, behavioral change, and hands-on experience.
Rev. Prof Kitayimbwa explained that UCU is evolving all its programs to align with personalized instruction, ensuring that students are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying what they learn in real-world situations.
The new secondary school curriculum was rolled out in 2020 and focuses on key skills such as critical thinking, creativity, innovation, digital literacy, numeracy, communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-directed learning among others.
Prof. Kitayimbwa acknowledged that educators trained under the old system might face challenges adapting to this approach, underscoring the need for universities to rethink teacher training programs. To support this transition, UCU is restructuring its education programs by reducing classroom time and increasing practical learning experiences.
“Students will no longer be in class for five days a week. Instead, they will attend classes for four days, with one day dedicated to working in real-world settings,” Prof. Kitayimbwa explained. “This initiative will equip them with essential skills such as starting and managing small businesses, as well as tracking sales and financial records” he added.
In addition to curriculum changes, UCU is overhauling its evaluation system. The university is shifting from a summative assessment model—which focuses on final exams—to a formative approach, where students receive continuous feedback to track and improve their progress throughout their studies.
Another significant reform is the restructuring of internships. Instead of the traditional two-month internship period, students will engage in ongoing internship experiences from their first year until graduation.
“Internships at UCU will now be a continuous process, allowing students to integrate academic knowledge with hands-on experience throughout their university journey,” Prof. Kitayimbwa said.
The Dean of UCU’s School of Education, Dr. Mary Ocheng Kagoire, highlighted the importance of aligning university training with the evolving education system.
“As the changes are taking place in the education system, particularly competency based, we felt it important that instead of conducting in-service training for teachers in the field, it is better that by the time students leave the university, they are already competent enough to put into practice what they have learned,” Dr Kagoire said.
Rev. Dr. Paul Kakooza, Director of Education at the Anglican Church of Uganda, also welcomed the changes, emphasizing that they align with the church’s broader vision for education.
“We appreciate these reforms, which are designed to improve the quality of teachers and their ability to deliver within the new curriculum framework. Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of creating opportunities for themselves,” he noted.
Prof. Angella Napakol, UCU’s Director of Academic Affairs, elaborated on how the university is incorporating practical mentorship into its programs. She cited the ICT department’s mentorship initiative, known as “Code Buddy,” where alumni working in the industry mentor first-year students.
“Through this mentorship program, students engage with professionals both on and off campus, leading to remarkable outcomes,” Prof. Napakol explained.
She also highlighted similar hands-on experiences in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, where students work on and publish news stories, films, and related articles through UCU’s community newspaper, The Standard. This practical exposure ensures graduates are well-prepared for their respective careers.
With these sweeping reforms, UCU is positioning itself as a leader in competency-based education, ensuring that its graduates leave the university with the skills and experience needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.
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