The big question currently in Uganda is whether the government will introduce a new A-Level Curriculum that is competence-based rather than the existing knowledge-based model. Reports suggest that Hon. Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, has approved the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC) to proceed with developing the revised curriculum.
Dr. Bernadette Bambi, Deputy Director of NCDC, confirmed during a meeting with the Education Policy Review Commission that the rollout of the new A-Level Curriculum is indeed in progress. Her statement assured that NCDC will soon start finalizing the new curriculum before the next academic year.
Implementation of the New A-Level Curriculum
Despite concerns that the project might be rushed, NCDC has been reviewing the Upper Secondary curriculum since 2020, following the introduction of the new Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC). Although progress stalled for a time, work is resuming, and with the experience gained from the NLSC, it is expected that the new curriculum will be successfully implemented. Some educators remain skeptical, but the general outlook is positive.
However, there has been confusion due to an announcement by State Minister for Primary Education Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu in February, stating that current S.4 students would not transition to the new A-Level Curriculum next year. The latest update indicates that the new A-Level Curriculum is planned for rollout by 2025.
Educators’ Perspectives on the New Curriculum
A teacher from a school in Kumi, who preferred to remain anonymous, commented:
“Personally, I have no influence over this decision. Once policymakers decide on something, it is unlikely to change. Despite the opposition, I believe the New A-Level Curriculum will be implemented, and teachers will again be responsible for its execution.”
Mr. Ojambo Tomny, Director of Jerusalem High School in Busia, added:
“It will be a success because both learners and teachers are already familiar with a similar system through the New Lower Secondary Curriculum. The transition should be smooth since A-Level books are already available. Unlike the lower secondary curriculum, which was completely new and required piloting, this A-Level curriculum is more of a transition.”