OBADIAH T
School administrators in Rukungiri District have raised serious concerns about the poor implementation of the new A-Level curriculum, warning that without timely government intervention, the education sector may face significant setbacks.
In interviews with our reporters, several headteachers revealed that approximately 90%—if not more—of teachers are still unfamiliar with the new curriculum and lack the necessary training to implement it effectively.
Mukunzi Denis Nyehangane, the Headteacher of Nyakagyeme Secondary School in Nyakagyeme Sub-county, shared that while the government provided soft copy guidelines, understanding and interpreting them has proven difficult for many educators.
Mukunzi emphasized that although the new A-Level curriculum builds on the O-Level structure, it requires a more advanced and hands-on teaching approach. He urged the Ministry of Education and Sports to organize nationwide training for all A-Level teachers to ensure the program benefits learners as intended.
Echoing similar sentiments, David Turyamusiima Kapiira, the headteacher of Kyamakanda Secondary School in Buyanja Sub-county, called for a comprehensive review of the curriculum. He appealed to the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to expedite training sessions, noting that he had only received informal communication about possible training sessions in May or June.
Unlike Nyakagyeme SS, which at least received digital materials, Kyamakanda SS reports having received no support at all regarding the implementation of the curriculum.
Meanwhile, Rev. Ivan Mwongyera, the headteacher of Kashenyi Secondary School in Ruhinda Sub-county, Rujumbura County, encouraged students to embrace the new curriculum. However, he also lamented the widespread lack of implementation knowledge among educators. Rev. Mwongyera described the new curriculum as a step in the right direction, with the potential to help tackle youth unemployment—if managed correctly. He called for urgent government intervention to ensure successful rollout.
In November last year, the government abandoned its initial plan to introduce a new A-Level curriculum, which had been in development since 2022. Instead, it opted for a temporary solution by reviewing all A-Level subjects and creating an abridged curriculum for Senior Five entrants starting in early 2024.
Although the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) had a two-year window (2022–2024) to complete the A-Level curriculum overhaul in preparation for the current O-Level graduates, the new curriculum has yet to be delivered.
Dr. Denis Mugimba, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education and Sports, stated that the abridged curriculum would be ready in time for the incoming Senior Five class. He clarified that no new textbooks or fresh content will be developed, as was the case during the rollout of the Lower Secondary Curriculum in 2020.
Dr. Mugimba added that the ongoing reforms by the NCDC are aimed at making A-Level education more competency-based to align with the Lower Secondary Curriculum, which emphasizes practical skills and critical thinking.
