More than 60% of key education reforms proposed over three decades ago remain unimplemented, according to a new report by the Mushega-led Education Policy Review Commission.
The Commission has called for the revival of recommendations from the 1989 Kajubi Report, arguing that they are still relevant to Uganda’s education challenges today.
The Kajubi Report, submitted by Professor William Ssenteza Kajubi in 1989, outlined 220 recommendations to improve the country’s education system.
However, only 84 (38%) have been fully implemented, while 57 (26%) have been partially adopted, and 79 (36%) remain unfulfilled.
Vocational Education Revival
One of the key recommendations from the Kajubi Report was the introduction of pre-vocational education at the upper primary level (P.5–P.8).
It suggested integrating subjects like agriculture, arts, crafts, and home economics to equip students with practical skills early.
The government later proposed an even more ambitious plan in 1992, aiming to introduce vocational training from primary one. However, this initiative was never implemented.
The Mushega Commission now wants the idea revived, urging a “holistic approach” to skills development across all education levels.
The Commission recommends that practical learning be embedded in the curriculum from early childhood through tertiary education, ensuring students are prepared for the job market.
Strengthening Vocational and Technical Training
The new report also highlights the importance of vocational secondary education, arguing that it should not be a terminal path but provide opportunities for further studies.
It calls for a strengthened Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system that aligns skills training with Uganda’s industrial and economic needs.
One of the most ambitious proposals from the Kajubi Report was the creation of a Uganda Polytechnic to offer degree-level vocational courses.
While some polytechnic institutions have been established, Mushega’s Commission argues that more needs to be done. It recommends setting up TVET universities to train a skilled workforce for modern industries.
Funding Education Through a Levy
Education financing remains a major concern. The Kajubi Report had suggested introducing an education tax to help fund reforms, particularly universal primary education.
While this was never implemented, the Mushega Commission now proposes a similar approach—introducing a TVET levy to finance vocational training.
The report cites successful models from Tanzania and Kenya, where companies contribute a percentage of their payroll towards skills development.
In Tanzania, for example, the Skills Development Levy generates over 314 billion Ugandan shillings annually to support vocational training.
Talent Search and Student Assessment
The Mushega Commission also revives Kajubi’s idea of a national Talent Search Scheme to identify and support gifted students.
It recommends a structured system to provide scholarships and mentorship for talented learners from an early age.
Additionally, the Commission pushes for a standardised student evaluation system.
Kajubi had proposed cumulative record cards to track students’ progress, a concept Mushega believes remains crucial for a personalized learning experience.
Calls for Increased Education Funding
Despite repeated calls to allocate more funds to education, Uganda’s budget for the sector remains low.
Kajubi had recommended that at least 20% of the national budget go towards education, but in the 2023/2024 financial year, only 8.4% was allocated.
The Mushega Commission insists this must change, calling for a minimum of 7% of Uganda’s GDP or 20% of the national budget to be directed towards education, sports, and training.
It also suggests allowing local governments to generate revenue for education through local taxes and fees.
Will the Government Act This Time?
Education experts say Uganda has missed multiple opportunities to reform its education system due to poor policy implementation and lack of funding.
Some officials have described the 1992 Government White Paper as a “beautiful piece of art” that was never put into practice.
With the Mushega Commission now recommending many of the same reforms, the key question remains: Will the government act this time, or will these recommendations also be left to gather dust?
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