The Association of Secondary Schools Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU) Tororo recently held a two-day workshop focused on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The event took place at the historic St. Peter’s College Tororo on March 6 and 7, 2025.
Out of 51 secondary schools in Tororo, 46 were represented by 103 teachers specializing in English, History, and Geography. The goal was to provide arts teachers with the same level of training that science teachers have been receiving through programs like Secondary Science and Mathematics ( SESEMAT ).
How the ASSHU Workshop Unfolded
The workshop was opened by Mr. Luke Emuron, the host headteacher, who thanked the participating schools but expressed disappointment that only 46 out of 51 schools attended. He encouraged teachers to keep learning and improving their skills.
Three national CBC trainers from the capital led the sessions. They focused on problem-based learning and taught teachers how to design exams using the content framework, test framework, and item specifications. The workshop included general sessions and breakout rooms where teachers delved deeper into their specific subjects.
Insights into the New S.5 A-Level Curriculum
Although the workshop mainly focused on the lower secondary CBC, the trainers also shared updates about the new S.5 A-Level curriculum. They urged teachers to familiarize themselves with the syllabus and stay open to learning new methods. The trainers emphasized the need for teachers to adapt to changes and be ready to “learn, unlearn, and relearn” to effectively implement the new curriculum.
Closing Ceremony Highlights
The workshop ended with key takeaways from the closing ceremony:
Mr. Obonyo Gabriel , Chairperson of the ASSHU Academics Committee, stressed the need for more training to help humanities teachers catch up with their science counterparts. He called on headteachers to support continuous professional development and advocated for better recognition of humanities teachers.
Madam Athieno Hellen , Deputy Chairperson of ASSHU Tororo, thanked the facilitators and participants for their dedication. She encouraged teachers to share what they learned and adopt comptence-based teaching methods. Madam Athieno highlighted the importance of aligning teaching practices with the CBC to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The facilitators were praised for their efforts in equipping teachers with the tools to implement the new curriculum. Participants were reminded of the workshop’s potential to transform Uganda’s education system and were urged to collaborate and improve teaching standards.
Finally, Madam Athieno wished everyone a happy Women’s Day and encouraged teachers to celebrate the women in their lives. She thanked the organizers, facilitators, and participants, urging teachers to apply their new knowledge to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.
This workshop marked a significant step toward improving education in Tororo, with a focus on empowering teachers and preparing students for the future.