KAMPALA — Uganda is witnessing an alarming surge in fresh coronavirus cases for the past few weeks — logging over with nearly 1000 cases being reported daily.
In wake of the spike in new COVID-19 cases, President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday re-imposed a strict lockdown that included the closure of schools and the suspension of inter-district travel to help beat back a surge in COVID-19 cases in the East African country.
The new measures, which became effective on Monday include the closure of all educational institutions, some bans on travel, the shutdown of weekly open markets, and the suspension of church services.
Experts at the the inaugural virtual National Development Symposium have discussed the future of education — raising queries on the little uptake of ICTs to support national online learning.
The virtual discussion which brought together experts from both government, private sector and international researcher was organized by Global Peace Foundation Uganda and Makerere University Business School (MUBSl under the theme: One Family Under God; Peace and Socio-Economic Development critical for securing Uganda’s future.
Peace Service Ambassador Milton Kambula said the discussion sought a joint response and commitment to transform education, economy, as well as strengthen culture of peace, service, moral and innovative leadership for socio-economic development.
The National Development Symposium brought many stakeholders to find away how education can continue despite the closure of schools and education institutions,” he told reporters after chairing the virtual event that was also attended by Dr. Grace Baguma, Director of National Curriculum Development Centre.
Makerere University Business School Principal Prof Wasswa Balunywa called for an urgent paradigm shift in the education sector by involving elementary technological skills for Primary Education.
He said, at secondary level, learners need to be equipped with both technical and vocational skills.
“There is need for a comprehensive review of the education system aligning it to the technological changes across the globe,” Balunywa said, noting that: “Higher education should reflect the theoretical perspectives of the future primarily the innovations that may come, reflect the need for creativity and innovation in the key sectors of the economy, establish technological universities to translate ideas into products”.
Dr. Tony Devine who is the reigning Vice President, Education Division, Global Peace Foundation both parents and teachers need to be empowered to help them build the ability to positively influence their own lives.
The event was also attended by Dr. Maggie Kigozi who is the Patron Global Peace Women Uganda.
She rallied parents to create an environment that will save the young girls from being prone to sexual abuse and other violations after they were returned home.
Others included Martin Obore Okiria, the National Chairman, Association of Secondary School Headteachers of Uganda and Mr. Paul Kagga, the Executive Director Together for Africa.
