KAMPALA —President Museveni has defended the implementation of the new curriculum— describing it as a major reform in pursuit of relevant education for “our country”.
Addressing the nation on National Teachers Day Celebrations held at State House Entebbe, Museveni asked teachers the embrace and implement the new curriculum as the key change agents.
“The process of this curriculum review was very consultative involving all stakeholders including teachers and myself. I now call upon you to champion a paradigm shift and lead the change process,” the President said.
The government early this rolled out the new curriculum for lower secondary school, which started at the beginning of the school term before schools were closed to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
The President urged stakeholders in education sector to jointly ensure the implement a curriculum whose mission he said is helping Uganda and, by extension Africa, overcome challenges surrounding us.
“Besides, I urge our teachers all over the country and the Ministry of Education to tailor our system to the needs of our people, we should teach what will help Uganda and Africa move forward,” he said.
He cited an example of Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, a former vice-chancellor of Makerere University who also holds a Ph.D. in computer science whom he tasked to use his background in the field to create a computer and failed to deliver.
“One time I called Professor Baryamureeba (Venansius), yes that one who was at Makerere University. I said to him that since you are a serious computer wizard/scientist, please make for us one computer. Up to now, he has never gotten back to me,” he said, he said, noting “This is because the pre-colonial education trains children to use other people’s computers rather than making their own. In light of this year’s theme and the pandemic effects, it is the time for teachers to reimagine the future and lead us through this crisis.”
President Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the salaries of teachers, health workers, soldiers and government scientists.
“I need you the people to talk to your MPs to agree with this,” he said, adding: “I am also aware of the salary disparities among government workers, some are taking home so much, while others are earning so little. We shall have a review using the Unified Salaries Board to address this matter.”
He said government recognizes the importance of teachers in the education system and is also aware of the challenges the teachers are facing.
“Government is doing its best to ensure that the challenges are addressed and teachers are motivated to teach. Your concerns are known, but all cannot be addressed at once.