By Frank Kamuntu
Uganda’s education system is on the verge of a groundbreaking transformation, thanks to the visionary recommendations put forward by the Education Policy Review Commission (EPRC). These proposals unveiled this week, align closely with the ideas long championed by education reformist Prof. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, marking a significant step toward a more practical and innovative approach to learning.
Among the key recommendations, the EPRC has proposed the abolition of the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and the introduction of automatic promotion for learners transitioning from primary school. Additionally, the Commission’s January 2025 report, titled Education for Values, Innovation, and Transformation, suggests reducing the number of years a child spends in nursery school from three to one.
The report, which was compiled after extensive nationwide consultations with various stakeholders, also advocates for shortening the total duration of pre-primary, primary, and secondary education from the current 16 years to 13. This shift aims to place greater emphasis on practical, skills-based instruction rather than theoretical learning, ensuring students are better equipped for real-world challenges.
For Prof. Muganga, these recommendations are a long-awaited validation of his tireless advocacy for education reform. Overjoyed by the news, he took to social media to express his elation, stating;
“I am overjoyed that the Education Policy Review Commission (EPRC) has embraced the practical and common-sense education reforms I have been advocating for. This is a historic day for Uganda. He also extended his gratitude to Hon. Amanya Mushega and the entire EPRC team for their “bold leadership” in driving these transformative changes.
According to Prof. Muganga, the proposed reforms represent a decisive shift toward a competency-based education system that prioritizes practical skills over rote memorization. He has appealed to Hon. Janet Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education, to consider and implement these recommendations. “I will continue to pray that God guides her in leading Uganda’s education system to greatness,” he affirmed.
Prof. Muganga believes that adopting these reforms would mark a bold step toward modernizing Uganda’s education system, aligning it with global best practices and preparing students for the demands of the 21st century. “If implemented, they will redefine learning, enhance student outcomes, and position Uganda’s education sector as a model of innovation and excellence,” he emphasized.
This moment represents a significant milestone in Prof. Muganga’s long-standing vision for an education system that values practical skills, efficiency, and holistic learning. As he aptly noted, this is indeed a historic day for Uganda—one that could pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
More About Prof Muganga’s Proposals? Read here👉 Top 10 Proposals Of Prof Muganga That Can Transform ‘Dead’ Education System
