The National Debate Council (NDC) recently hosted a consultative workshop aimed at deepening transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption (TAAC) within the national secondary schools’ curricula. This two-day workshop took place from Thursday, June 27 to Friday, June 28, 2024, at La Shalom Hotel, one of the premier hotels in Mbale City.
The workshop brought together teachers from over nine schools across various districts, including Tororo, Mbale, Kumi, Soroti, Jinja, and Bukedea, among others, for the Eastern Regional Consultative Workshop. This event marked the fifth in a series of similar workshops held in different regions.
The National Debate Council did not organize this event in isolation. It was supported by numerous partners, including the European Union, German Cooperation, Adept Sustainability and Capacity Building Institution (ASCBI), and GIZ. These collaborations aim to enhance TAAC education in both the lower secondary and A-level curricula in Uganda.
TAAC Workshop Proceedings
The workshop commenced on Thursday, June 27, 2024, with participants arriving with great anticipation. Following a round of introductions, the Executive Director of NDC, Mr. Gastas Kakaire, delivered an opening address. He emphasized the importance of integrating TAAC principles into the education system, highlighting that teachers play a pivotal role as focal points in disseminating anti-corruption knowledge to students, who, in turn, extend this knowledge to their communities.
Mr. Kakaire clarified that the objective is not to introduce a new subject but to reinforce existing curricula with TAAC principles. The strategy involves gathering input from various regions, convening a national workshop with key decision-makers such as parliament, headteachers, and the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), and then presenting a position paper. Upon its adoption, resource materials will be developed for teachers, who will be crucial in spreading TAAC awareness among students.
Role of Adept Sustainability and Capacity Building Institution (ASCBI)
The consultative nature of the workshop necessitated the involvement of a professional consultant. Ms. Josephine Namusisi from ASCBI was appointed to lead this initiative. With extensive experience in governance and democracy-related projects, Ms. Namusisi has collaborated with numerous national and international organizations, including DGF, Oxfam Great Britain, the National Development Planning Authority (NDP 3), and the National Democratic Institution.
Ms. Namusisi provided a comprehensive overview of TAAC, explaining each component in detail. She then organized the participants into groups, assigning them sections with various questions about TAAC. On the second day, participants presented their thoughts and harmonized their views, culminating in the awarding of certificates.
The successful conclusion of this workshop marks a significant step towards embedding TAAC principles in Uganda’s secondary education system, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability among the younger generation.