Teachers Urged To Embrace Education Reforms For Professional Growth
The pioneer students of UNiTE Muni Arua Campus first cohort who are the trainees
Teachers in the West Nile sub-region have been encouraged to adopt ongoing government education reforms designed to enhance professional development and academic excellence in the teaching profession.
The reforms, led by the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE), offer teachers opportunities to pursue higher qualifications while aligning with the new national teacher policy framework.
This initiative emphasizes continuous professional development as a cornerstone of transforming Uganda’s education sector.
Speaking on Sunday at the closing ceremony of a five-day corporate dissemination workshop for the first cohort of approximately 150 pioneer student leaders at UNITE’s Muni Campus in Arua, Daisy Aliwaru, Acting Dean and Chairperson of Principals in Uganda, underscored the importance of upgrading teachers’ academic credentials through UNITE’s structured pathways.
She explained that the new system aims to phase out outdated qualifications and introduce a standardized, competency-based model aligned with global best practices.
“We are grooming you to take over from us in the coming years,” Aliwaru told the trainees.
“In three to six years, you will replace us. We are your mentors, guiding you both as educators and leaders. Be strategic, act with integrity, and remember that teachers are the backbone of the nation. You are key agents of change and transformation. Without the right knowledge and skills, you cannot effectively drive progress.” She also acknowledged common concerns about teacher salaries but urged resilience and commitment.
Hajji Abdul Majid Nkuutu, a facilitator at the workshop, described the training as more than a mere workshop, emphasizing its role in equipping teachers with strategic planning skills.
“This training has clear objectives,” he said. “Participants are now well-versed in these programs and can share their knowledge with others. We guided them through developing strategic plans, and by the end, each participant had their own plan in place.”
David Einyu, a student leader, encouraged his fellow teachers to embrace the reforms as a platform for growth.
“To my colleagues in the field, continue embracing lifelong learning,” he said. “You came here ready to unlearn, relearn, and learn anew. These reforms are an opportunity to upgrade and stay relevant.”
Salim Kumakech, the Resident City Commissioner for Arua City, representing Hon. Moriku Joyce Kaducu, Minister for Primary Education, urged teachers to remain resilient despite challenges such as low salaries.
“I grew up in a modest family, and in the 1980s, salaries were sometimes delayed for months,” he recalled. “Use this initiative to further your education and acquire more qualifications. It will transform your future.”
The UNITE reforms, rolled out in 2025, focus on enhancing teacher training quality, improving pedagogy, and aligning with Uganda’s Competency-Based Curriculum.
The initiative centralizes diploma- and degree-level teacher training, introducing stricter accreditation and performance standards to elevate the profession.