The Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, Dr. Lawrence Muganga has called for a complete rethink of Uganda’s education system, warning that the current model is outdated and unfit for today’s economy.
Muganga criticized the country’s reliance on obsolete teaching methods and policies, saying they no longer serve the realities of a digital and fast-evolving world.
“From primary schools to universities, our education system is still preparing students for a traditional economy that is rapidly becoming a thing of the past,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
He added, “If we continue to rely on outdated policies and practices, we will not see any real improvements in labour productivity. It is time to rethink how we educate and adapt our system to meet the needs of today’s economy, one that is being shaped by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.”
The Vice Chancellor argued that Uganda must shift focus from producing job seekers to empowering job creators, particularly in light of rising youth unemployment and the changing global labour market.
“Instead of raising generations of job seekers, we should be nurturing job creators,” they emphasized. “That means putting our efforts into things that matter: quality education, reliable infrastructure, access to modern technology, and supportive policies that help people turn ideas into businesses.”
The statement comes at a time when Uganda’s education sector faces mounting pressure to modernize with experts and employers alike expressing concern about the disconnect between what students learn in school and the skills needed in the real world.
The Vice Chancellor also addressed the long-standing issue of teacher remuneration, saying the welfare of educators must be treated as a national priority.
“It is time we had an honest conversation about how much teachers are paid. It is simply not right to expect someone who cannot even afford to send their own children to school to show up every day and take care of other people’s children,” the Vice Chancellor said.
“Imagine a teacher going to bed hungry, then waking up the next morning expected to smile, teach, and give their best. It is just not fair.”
While commending the government for increasing salaries for science teachers, the Vice Chancellor noted that arts teachers and others still lag behind in support and recognition.
“Yes, something has been done for sciences’ teachers, and that is a good start. But what about arts teachers? At the end of the day, a teacher is a teacher. They all deserve to be paid well and supported to do their job with dignity.”
Education advocates have welcomed the remarks, calling them a necessary wake-up call for policymakers and institutions alike. As Uganda looks toward the future, the Vice Chancellor’s message is clear: the time for reform is now.
Following his call for educational reform, the Vice Chancellor went on to commend President Museveni for engaging with the Education Policy Review Commission and urged him to act decisively on its findings.
“Your Excellency, these Mushega Commission proposals are a gift to our nation. They speak the truth we have long ignored and they are a great step in the right direction,” the Vice Chancellor said.
“Our education system is no longer working for the children of Uganda. It teaches them to cram, not to create; to pass exams, not to solve problems; to handwrite, not to type. We are preparing them for a world that no longer exists.”
Describing the Commission’s work as practical and visionary, the Vice Chancellor called on the President to make history by championing implementation.
“Your leadership has changed Uganda in many ways. But this, transforming education, would be one of the most powerful legacies you can leave behind. A legacy of action that every child, every teacher, and every parent will celebrate for generations,” he said.
“We are already late. But if we start now, we can catch up. Please, Your Excellency, take the step. Let this be the turning point. The time is now.”
The Vice Chancellor’s remarks came a day after President Museveni hosted the Education Policy Review Commission, chaired by Col. (Rtd) Nuwe Amanya Mushega, at State House to receive their final report.
“I met with the Education Policy Review Commission, led by Col. (Rtd) Nuwe Amanya Mushega, at State House to discuss transformative reforms in Uganda’s education system,” President Museveni announced.
“I emphasised the need for a life-oriented education that equips every child by the age of 16 with the skills and values to contribute meaningfully to society.”
The President acknowledged that the current education model, inherited from colonial systems, had placed too much emphasis on memorization at the expense of practical skills and lifelong learning.
“Our post-colonial education system has strayed from traditional practices, focusing too much on memorisation rather than practical skills. It’s time for change to close the gaps in quality and relevance,” Museveni said.
He pledged to take the report to Cabinet for review, signaling a potentially historic shift in national education policy.
He noted. “I am pleased to have received their revolutionary proposals. I look forward to discussing this report further with the cabinet for implementation.”
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