Author: admin

Fans of Hannah Montana are reliving old memories after a recent cast link up tied to the show’s anniversary.

Miley Cyrus led the moment, appearing alongside a few familiar faces as part of a special celebration. The clips and photos quickly spread online, bringing back scenes many grew up watching.

The gathering did not include every major cast member, but it still struck a chord with fans. The show’s music, characters, and storylines remain a strong part of pop culture years later.

The moment has now stirred fresh conversations, with many wondering if more could follow.

For years, Uganda’s brightest university students have steered away from education degrees, gravitating instead toward medicine, law, and engineering — courses perceived to offer better financial returns. The government is now moving decisively to change that calculation.

In a landmark pay reform that could reshape both the teaching profession and university enrolment patterns, the government has announced plans to make teachers among the top-earning civil servants in Uganda’s public service — with science teachers on the government payroll set to earn a basic salary of Shs8 million per month.

The plan is expected to be implemented over a period of five years.

What The New Pay Structure Looks Like

The proposed salary enhancement represents a dramatic upward shift from current pay levels across the teaching profession.

Under the new structure, a science headteacher will earn Shs6.5 million, up from the current Shs2.3 million. A deputy headteacher for sciences will take home Shs4.5 million, up from Shs1.7 million. Senior education officers in science will see their pay rise from Shs1.7 million to Shs4.2 million, while education officers move from Shs1 million to Shs4 million. Assistant education officers in science will earn Shs2.2 million, up from Shs933,000. Even laboratory technicians will see their salaries more than double, rising from between Shs795,000 and Shs858,000 to Shs2.2 million.

Humanities teachers are not left out. Senior education officers in humanities will earn Shs1.7 million under the new structure, while the overall plan ensures that headteachers and their deputies across both disciplines earn in the range of Shs10 million, with humanities teachers at least doubling their current pay.

Government Speaks Out

The new pay plan was confirmed by the Minister for Public Service, Wilson Muluri Mukasa, who was unequivocal about the government’s intentions.

“As the Government announced before, we have a pay plan for all categories of civil servants. As for teachers, there is a plan to make them one of the best-paid civil servants,” he said.

Minister Mukasa made the remarks at a sensitisation meeting on the Public Service Contributory Pension scheme held at Las Vegas Hotel in Mbarara, attended by over 100 participants including Chief Administrative Officers, town clerks, hospital directors, and human resource personnel.

Under the contributory pension scheme being introduced alongside the pay reforms, civil servants will contribute 5 percent toward their pension, with the government contributing 10 percent — a shift from the current arrangement in which pension is 100 percent government-funded.

Higher Education State Minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, in a separate interview, explained the philosophy behind the investment in teacher pay, noting that the government treasures the education sector and that the enhancements reflect years of deliberate investment.

He tasked teachers with attending to children, delivering lessons, and serving the country wholeheartedly in return.

The Broader Civil Service Pay Picture

The teacher pay plan does not exist in isolation. Last year, the public service ministry unveiled a broader pay plan that will cover the remaining 66 percent of public servants whose salaries have not been enhanced since 2014. The remaining batch of civil servants will receive at least 77 percent of the pay target within the next four financial years, starting 2026/2027.

Current public service ministry data shows approximately 350,000 civil servants on the government payroll, of whom 54 percent have already had their salaries enhanced. This means 231,000 civil servants are set to benefit from the planned salary increases.

Of these, more than half are primary and secondary school headteachers, their deputies, and teachers for humanities — meaning the education sector stands to be among the biggest beneficiaries of the broader civil service pay reforms.

If implemented in full, the plan will take the country’s total wage bill to Shs10 trillion from the current Shs8.5 trillion.

Other Categories Set To Benefit

Beyond teachers, several other cadres of public servants are in line for significant pay increases under the standardised pay structure.

Arts teachers at secondary schools stand to benefit from a 25 percent increment beginning in the 2026/2027 financial year. Other cadres receiving enhancements include mortuary and cemetery attendants, whose salaries will double from Shs500,000 to Shs1 million per month, plant operators in charge of government ferries who will earn around Shs1 million, and radiology technologists whose pay will rise from Shs2.6 million to Shs3 million.

Non-science assistant commissioners in government ministries and departments, deputy Chief Administrative Officers, and deputy town clerks for districts are also among those set to benefit.

At public universities, vice-chancellors will see a 100% salary enhancement under the new structure, now earning Shs20 million up from Shs12.2 million, while their deputies will earn Shs17.4 million up from Shs10.5 million. Science and non-science professors at public universities will earn Shs15.6 million and Shs14.8 million respectively, while non-science lecturers will earn Shs8.2 million up from Shs7.7 million, and assistant lecturers Shs4.7 million up from Shs4.3 million.

Teachers Welcome The Change

The response from within the teaching profession has been broadly positive, with educators expressing cautious optimism that the reforms could reverse long-standing challenges including absenteeism, part-timing, and the reluctance of top-performing students to consider teaching as a career.

George Andama, the retired headteacher for Mvara Secondary School in Arua, welcomed the plan directly. “It should have happened a long time ago. For a long time, we have been attracting second-class students. Once this plan is implemented, education will become highly competitive at university and we will see more top students offering to enrol and become teachers.”

Another teacher, who preferred anonymity, noted that the pay rise would reduce part-timing and eventually curb the growing trend of teacher absenteeism — a challenge that has long undermined the quality of education delivery across Uganda’s schools.

What This Means For Future Students

For students currently at university or considering their degree options, the implications are significant. If the pay reforms are implemented as announced, a career in teaching — particularly in science — will offer financial returns comparable to many of the professions that have historically attracted Uganda’s most competitive students.

The question of whether top students will begin choosing education degrees over medicine and law may soon have a definitive answer. If the government delivers on this plan, Uganda’s classrooms could look very different within a generation.

Police in Kampala have arrested three suspects in connection with a viral video showing a group of men scaling a perimeter fence and violently assaulting an individual.

According to Rachael Kawala, the suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal gangs in Makindye Division.

The suspects have been identified as Sali Ethan, also known as “Unruly,” Sali Isaac, and Sejongo Isaac.

Authorities say the identity and whereabouts of the victim remain unknown, and have appealed to the individual seen in the video—or anyone with relevant information—to report to the nearest police station to aid investigations.

Police have strongly warned the public against engaging in mob justice and other acts of lawlessness, emphasizing that such actions undermine the rule of law.

Efforts to track down additional suspects connected to the incident are still ongoing, with more updates expected as investigations progress.

. @KawalaRachael “Police at Katwe are holding three suspects in connection with a video circulating on social media, which shows a group of men scaling a perimeter fence and violently assaulting an individual inside the premises.

The suspects were arrested during an… pic.twitter.com/eFkUlUWAto

— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) March 23, 2026

Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel

Charlie Puth has entered a new chapter as he welcomes his first child with his wife, Brooke Sansone.

The singer and his partner have announced the birth of their baby boy, Jude Crawford Puth.

The news was shared with fans through social media, marking a major moment in their journey together.

The name Jude quickly drew attention, with many fans linking it to the classic song Hey Jude. The choice added a layer of meaning that resonated widely online.

Charlie, known for sharing parts of his life through music, now steps into fatherhood as his biggest role yet.

The couple, who got married in 2024, had earlier hinted at this new phase.

Messages of support continue to pour in as fans celebrate the arrival of their son.

Ugandan singer A Pass has dismissed the relevance of SACCO funds under the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), saying they do little to support his career.

Speaking in a recent interview, the outspoken artiste made it clear that he has built his success independently and does not rely on financial support schemes within the federation.

“I don’t need the SACCO. I don’t need the money—it can’t help me anyway,” he said.

A Pass also used the moment to address his perceived fallout with Eddy Kenzo, insisting that he is equally puzzled by the tension.

According to him, the issue began when a fan mentioned his name in a way that seemed to undermine him, prompting Kenzo to respond in what he described as a sarcastic tone—despite the comment not being directed at him.

“I didn’t say anything about him, so I don’t understand why he would say something about me,” A Pass said.

Despite everything going on, the singer maintained that he has no personal problem with Kenzo and even praised his efforts in pushing for copyright reforms in the music industry.

“I think he is a good artist and he is doing a good job with the copyright thing, and I congratulate him for that,” he added.

However, A Pass questioned why his name was being brought into discussions he feels have little to do with him, particularly remarks suggesting he is “smart” and “rich,” which he interpreted as unnecessary comparisons.

He also emphasized that financial success should not be narrowly defined by money alone.

Beyond the SACCO debate, A Pass pointed to his own achievements as proof of his independence, noting that he has organized high-level concerts without relying on federation funding.

“No artist from the federation has held a concert like mine, but did I go to the SACCO to borrow money to organize it?” he posed.

While he acknowledged that the federation’s initiatives could benefit other artists, he cautioned against unnecessary conflicts within the industry.

“If the federation benefits me, that’s fine because it will be working for the industry—but there shouldn’t be this bickering,” he said.

The singer also addressed his absence from recent copyright-related engagements, explaining that he was occupied at the time and did not feel compelled to attend.

“I understand copyright, and whether others do or not, it’s a good thing. But I won’t single out individuals for praise because it’s a collective effort,” he noted.

I don’t need SACCO money; it doesn’t help me anyway. No Federation artist has ever had a concert like mine. – APass#SanyukaUnCut #SanyukaUpdates #FfeBannoDdala pic.twitter.com/km7KsjnqpI

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) March 23, 2026

Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel

Vice Chancellors Convene In Gulu To Chart Implementation Path As NCHE Sets 2027 Deadline For Full Compliance

Uganda’s higher education sector is undergoing its most significant structural transformation in decades, as universities across the country move to adopt competence-based curricula designed to produce graduates equipped with practical, job-ready, and entrepreneurial skills.

The shift was the central subject of the two-day annual Higher Education Conference held in Gulu City, which brought together vice chancellors, academics, policy makers, and private sector representatives to deliberate on the implementation of Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) across all institutions of higher learning.

The conference marks a critical milestone in a reform agenda that has been building for several years and that will fundamentally alter how university education is designed, delivered, and assessed in Uganda.

The Regulatory Framework

Prof Mary Okwakol, Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), confirmed that the government has already adopted curriculum reform standards for all institutions of higher learning and that compliance is no longer optional.

From the 2027-2028 academic year, the NCHE will no longer accredit academic programmes that are not underpinned by a competence-based curriculum. Guidelines have already been distributed to all universities and institutions of higher learning, and training for CBET education trainers is set to be rolled out at the regional level to support institutions in meeting the standards.

“This aligns higher education outcomes with industry needs and encourages industry-aligned innovations. Institutions have been instructed to ensure that all academic programmes intended for first-year student intake in the year 2027/2028 are compliant with the NCHE CBET standards,” Prof Okwakol stated.

The reforms introduce a fundamental shift in how students are assessed. Under the new framework, continuous assessment will carry 60 percent of a student’s final mark, with formal examinations accounting for the remaining 40 percent — a significant departure from the examination-heavy model that has historically dominated Uganda’s higher education system.

Makerere’s Early Transition Offers A Blueprint

Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, is notably ahead of the curve. Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe revealed that the institution adopted competence-based teaching as early as 2010, with its Senate making a formal decision subsequently endorsed by the University Council. All curricula have since been revised accordingly, and lecturers have been retooled to align with the approach.

“It was not easy to shift from a knowledge-based curriculum to a competence-based curriculum, but the Senate made a decision that was endorsed by the University Council, and the university has had to revise all its curricula,” Prof Nawangwe said.

Under the competence-based model, the curriculum emphasises two primary methods of assessment — coursework and continuous assessment — with the goal of measuring not just what students know, but what they can do.

For institutions only beginning the transition, Makerere’s decade-long experience provides both a practical reference point and an indication of the institutional commitment required to see the process through successfully.

Digital Learning As A Pillar Of Reform

The curriculum overhaul is accompanied by a formal push to deepen the integration of digital technologies into university teaching and learning. The NCHE has developed and is enforcing Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) guidelines and standards, which Prof Okwakol credited with enabling Uganda’s higher education system to maintain academic continuity during the Covid-19 pandemic while simultaneously driving improvements in technological infrastructure across campuses.

“They have revolutionised Uganda’s higher education by enabling a rapid, regulated transition to digital learning, including ensuring continuity of education during Covid-19 lockdowns,” she said.

In December 2025, the NCHE also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) to enhance the quality and market relevance of research and innovation — a development that underscores the growing emphasis on university-industry collaboration as a cornerstone of the reform agenda.

Industry Engagement Identified As Critical Gap

While the reforms are broadly welcomed, participants at the conference identified a significant gap in implementation that extends beyond the university gates. The academic registrar of Seeta University, Mr Ronald Mbago, noted that private sector organisations where students undertake practical attachments must also be oriented toward competence-based learning outcomes.

Without this alignment, he argued, industry placements risk becoming procedural requirements rather than genuine opportunities for skills development. The concern reflects a broader recognition that the success of the reforms depends not only on what happens inside lecture theatres but also on how effectively universities and employers collaborate in shaping graduate competencies.

Dr Ezra Muhumuza, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, commended the strengthening of university-industry linkages but raised a concern about the pace of policy development relative to the speed of innovation.

“The government is interested in regulating everything, and as a result, innovations that should bear fruit in a short time end up being delayed because when innovations are moving, the government comes in and says we need a policy,” he cautioned.

Illegal University Branches Placed On Notice

Prof Okwakol used the platform to issue a formal warning to universities operating unauthorised branches, confirming that the NCHE had written to all such institutions directing them to close. Academic documents issued by illegal campuses will not be recognised by the council, and awards conferred by such institutions will similarly be invalidated.

“We have written to all those institutions that are operating illegally and asked them to close because the National Council of Higher Education will not recognise the awards given to students,” she stated, though she declined to name specific institutions or detail the consequences for those that fail to comply.

Implications For Students And Institutions

The reforms carry significant implications for students at every stage of their university journey. Those entering university from the 2027-2028 academic year will do so under a system that measures competence alongside knowledge, prioritises practical skills development, and integrates digital learning as a standard component of academic delivery.

For institutions, the deadline is firm. Universities that have not revised their programmes to meet NCHE CBET standards by the 2027-2028 intake will face the loss of accreditation for non-compliant programmes — a consequence with direct implications for institutional reputation and student enrolment.

The vice chancellors gathered in Gulu left the conference with a clear mandate: the transformation of Uganda’s higher education system is no longer a future ambition. It is an immediate institutional responsibility.