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For a woman in labour, the distance to the nearest health facility can mean the difference between life and death. Even after reaching a facility, her survival may depend on whether a skilled health worker is available, the right equipment is functioning and an effective referral system is in place when complications arise.

It is this reality that a new UGX 600 million partnership between Stanbic Bank Uganda and Rotary Mama Toto Care Uganda seeks to address, with an emphasis on strengthening existing public health facilities and reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Stanbic Bank’s Learning and Development Centre in Kampala, Stanbic Bank Executive Director Paul Muganwa said maternal health is not just a health issue, but a national economic priority.

“Uganda has set itself an ambitious goal of growing its economy to USD 500 billion by 2040. We cannot achieve that vision if women, who are the backbone of our families, communities and future workforce, continue to face preventable risks during childbirth,” Muganwa said.

He noted that every preventable maternal death represents not only a personal tragedy but also a loss of human capital and national productivity.

“We cannot talk meaningfully about inclusive growth while mothers continue to risk their lives simply by bringing forth the next generation. A healthy mother is the cornerstone of a productive workforce and a prosperous nation,” he added.

Muganwa said the partnership is part of Stanbic Bank’s Positive Impact Agenda, which focuses on empowering women, youth and farmers through financial inclusion, enterprise development, climate resilience, infrastructure development and corporate social investment.

Rotary District 9213 Governor Dr Gerald Obai described the partnership as a demonstration of the power of collaboration in addressing one of Uganda’s most pressing public health challenges.

“This partnership shows what is possible when organisations come together around a shared purpose. Maternal mortality is not a challenge that government or Rotary can solve alone. It requires businesses, communities and development partners working together to save lives,” Dr Obai said.

He said Rotary’s Mama Toto Care programme continues to strengthen health systems by supporting healthcare workers, equipping facilities and mobilising communities to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Speaking on behalf of Rotary Mama Toto Care Uganda, Magezi Ndamira said the partnership is the culmination of a journey that began in 2022, citing the programme stands with every woman of reproductive age, from expectant mothers travelling long distances to health facilities to healthcare workers who need the right skills and equipment to save lives.

“We stand with the mother who begins labour many kilometres from a health facility. We stand with the mother who arrives hoping there is equipment and skilled healthcare workers to help her deliver safely. We also stand with the midwife, the nurse and the doctor who want to save lives but need the right tools to do so,” he said.

Ndamira emphasised that every mother deserves dignity and every newborn deserves a chance at life, regardless of where they live or how much they earn.

“The value of this investment will not be measured by the amount of money committed. It will be measured by the mothers whose lives are saved, the newborns who survive and the families that go home together.”

Strengthening government health facilities

Ndamira explained that the Mama Toto Care model works through existing public health facilities rather than creating parallel systems.

The programme focuses on four pillars: training and re-skilling healthcare workers, providing essential maternal and newborn equipment, strengthening community awareness on antenatal care and safe delivery, and improving referral systems and quality of care.

“We strengthen government health facilities and equip healthcare workers who are already serving within the Ministry of Health. Our guiding principle is simple: where is the greatest need, and where can our intervention make the biggest difference?” he said.

Stanbic Bank Manager for Corporate Social Investment Diana Ondoga said the partnership directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

She noted that while Uganda has recorded significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, achieving global targets will require accelerated collaboration across sectors.

Dr Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, welcomed the partnership, saying maternal health requires a whole-of-society approach.

“Maternal health is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Health alone. It requires government, the private sector, communities and development partners working together to remove barriers that prevent women from accessing quality care,” Olaro said.

He said partnerships such as the Stanbic-Rotary initiative complement government investments in strengthening health systems, improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing access to skilled maternal care.

The three-year partnership will support health facility upgrades, training of frontline health workers, implementation of an adopt-a-health-centre model and community mobilisation to encourage safe motherhood practices.

 

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Spice Diana may not be done with the big stages just yet.

The singer has hinted at plans for another major concert, suggesting that her next headline show could take place at one of Kampala’s biggest venues as she weighs options for a return to the spotlight before the end of 2026.

The speculation gained momentum after Spice Diana shared a cryptic message following a meeting with Next Media Ceo Kin Karisa.

“Big visions… It’s been a beautiful meeting with the CEO of NEXT MEDIA, bigger plans. Thank you Mr Kalisa for believing in me… cooking something before 2026 ends… oba tugende E Kololo 2027?” she posted.

Big visions …. It’s been a beautiful meeting with the CEO of NEXT MEDIA bigger plans Thank you Mr Kalisa for believing in me … cooking something before 2026 ends … oba tugende
E Kololo 2027 ??? ?? pic.twitter.com/qj7WqKcq2W

— ????? ????? (@SpiceDianaUg) August 18, 2026

Her reference to Kololo has already sparked speculation among fans about whether she could be considering a concert at the Kololo Independence Grounds in 2027.

Speaking to Galaxy TV, however, Spice Diana was careful not to commit to a particular venue, saying the decision would ultimately be influenced by her fans.

“Kololo? Wherever you’ll tell me is where I’ll go. Where fans throw me is where I go,” she said.

According to the singer, fans have already been suggesting different venues, with some calling for Kololo, others proposing Namboole, while another section wants her back at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

“Some are whispering to me that we go to Kololo, others are telling me we go to Namboole, while others tell me we go back to Lugogo, but we’ll see. Of course, we are in plans,” she said.

Spice Diana also dismissed the idea that the prospect of taking on a larger venue would intimidate her.

She pointed to her previous concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval, where she said similar doubts had been raised about whether she could successfully fill the venue.

The singer now believes she has already proved that she can handle major stages and is confident that she can take on an even bigger challenge.

“We shall conquer everything,” she said.

@galaxytv_ug Don’t Force Friends On Me, It’s Strictly Business — Spice Diana Opens Up About Her Relationship With Sheebah #JikonkoneRewind ? original sound – Galaxy TV ?????????!

While she has not officially announced a venue or date, her comments suggest that another major concert could be in the works.

For an artiste who has already demonstrated her ability to draw crowds at major venues, the question now appears to be less about whether Spice Diana can take on another big stage and more about where she will choose to do it.

And if her Kololo tease is anything to go by, Kampala could be preparing for another Spice Diana takeover.

Kampala, Uganda – 20 August 2026 – Jambojet, East Africa’s leading low-cost carrier, has announced its return to the Nairobi–Entebbe route, with flights scheduled to resume on 1 October 2026.

The return to Uganda marks a significant milestone in Jambojet’s regional growth strategy and reinforces the airline’s commitment to providing affordable, reliable and convenient air travel across East Africa. The route is expected to strengthen connectivity between Kenya and Uganda while supporting increased business travel, tourism and cross-border trade.

Speaking on the airline’s return to the Ugandan market, Jambojet Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr. Karanja Ndegwa said the resumption of flights reflects the airline’s broader ambition to make air travel more accessible while strengthening regional integration.

“Our return to Uganda is a strategic step forward in our mission to strengthen regional connectivity. We see significant opportunities to support business, tourism and trade between Kenya and Uganda while providing travellers with affordable, reliable and convenient flying experience that Jambojet is known for,” said Ndegwa.

“Making flying accessible across East Africa and beyond remains central to our mission. Uganda is an important market for Jambojet, and we are excited to reconnect the two destinations, while creating greater opportunities for travellers to connect to other destinations across our network,” he added.

One-way fares will start from approximately USD 170.

In addition to passenger services, Jambojet will introduce cargo and parcel services on the route, providing additional capacity to support the movement of goods between Uganda and Kenya and contribute to growing regional trade.

The route is therefore positioned as more than a passenger connection; it will serve as an important link between two of East Africa’s major economies, supporting the movement of people, goods and tourism traffic across the region.

Strengthening Travel and Tourism Connections

The Nairobi–Entebbe air corridor continues to experience strong recovery and demand, with an estimated 300,000 passengers projected to travel between Kenya and Uganda in 2026.

Jambojet’s daily service will provide greater choice and flexibility for travellers between the two countries while also creating convenient onward connections for Ugandan passengers seeking to explore Kenya’s popular coastal destinations, including Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and Lamu.

Jambojet Engages Ugandan Stakeholders Ahead of Route Launch

 

Insert Pic from the engagement

Ahead of the October launch, Jambojet, in partnership with The Uganda Association of Travel Agents  (TUGATA), hosted a stakeholder engagement breakfast at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, bringing together representatives from government, travel, trade, tourism, corporate organisations and the media. The engagement provided an opportunity for Jambojet to formally share its plans for the Ugandan market while engaging key stakeholders on opportunities for collaboration around the restored Nairobi–Entebbe connection.

“We are delighted to welcome Jambojet back to Uganda. The resumption of this service comes at an opportune time, as we continue to strengthen travel, trade and tourism opportunities across the region. We look forward to working closely with Jambojet to promote the route and create more opportunities for travellers to discover and connect with both destinations,” said Ms Irene Nanyombi, Chairperson, TUGATA. 

 

Building on a Strong Year of Growth

Jambojet’s return to Uganda comes during a significant period of growth for the airline. In April 2026, the airline expanded its active fleet to 11 aircraft, strengthening its capacity to serve its growing network and also celebrated its 10 millionth passenger.

The airline also recorded an On-Time Performance (OTP) of 86.45% in July 2026, ranking it among the leading airlines for operational punctuality in Africa and globally.

Jambojet first entered the Ugandan market in 2018 as part of its regional expansion strategy. Its regional operations were subsequently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the airline to focus on strengthening its domestic network in Kenya.

The return to Entebbe therefore marks a new chapter in the airline’s growth journey and reinforces its ambition to make affordable air travel more accessible across East Africa.

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Spice Diana has explained why she was absent from Ray G’s recent concert at Kololo Independence Grounds, despite the two artistes sharing a musical history through their hit collaboration Omusheshe.

Ray G held his concert at Kololo on August 7, attracting fans and several Ugandan artistes to the venue. However, Spice Diana’s absence was noticed by some fans, particularly given the success of Omusheshe, which became one of the biggest songs in Uganda when it was released.

The singer has now clarified that her absence had nothing to do with their relationship or a lack of support for Ray G.

Speaking about why she did not attend the concert, Spice Diana said she was out of town at the time.

“I wasn’t around, that’s why I didn’t attend the show, but I posted him everywhere on my socials. I wished him well,” she said.

Spice Diana explained that she was upcountry and only returned to Kampala after the concert had already taken place.

“I was upcountry. By the time I came back, it was late, and the show wasn’t mine that I could get on stage any time I want,” she said.

She also pointed out that her absence from the Kololo concert should not be interpreted as a lack of support for Ray G, noting that she had previously attended his shows.

“I was there for his show at Cricket Oval and I have been there for his other shows,” she said.

The clarification comes as Spice Diana herself hints at plans for another major concert, with the singer recently teasing “bigger plans”.

For now, however, she says her absence at Ray G’s Kololo show was simply a matter of timing and being away from Kampala, rather than any issue between the two artistes.

The pair’s musical connection remains one of the notable collaborations in their careers, with Omusheshe having helped cement their place in Uganda’s music conversation.

@galaxytv_ug Don’t Force Friends On Me, It’s Strictly Business — Spice Diana Opens Up About Her Relationship With Sheebah #JikonkoneRewind ? original sound – Galaxy TV ?????????!

The three ministers chose the field over air-conditioned offices in Kampala. Moving alongside the media, they set out to expose a grim reality: Uganda’s infrastructure is in crisis. Across the country, road projects have stagnated, billions in taxpayers’ money have been disbursed or earmarked for incomplete work, and civil works crawl at a snail’s pace.

Engineers entrusted with supervision have instead colluded with contractors to swindle public funds. Everyday road users pay the price, negotiating treacherous terrain daily. Dust continues to choke small businesses, while Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries count losses as sluggish workmanship stifles local commerce. The Mityana–Mubende road, the Mpigi Expressway, and the Nakawuka–Nateete stretch are prime examples of projects that feel light-years away from completion.

Rather than hosting comfortable boardroom reviews at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama put on gumboots and a reflector jacket to conduct site inspections. Armed with background research, he arrived informed—ready to question not only why these roads are exorbitantly expensive, but why progress is virtually non-existent.

Ugandans have witnessed firsthand the connivance, theft, and syndicated corruption orchestrated by the very engineers hired to build the nation. Hon. Byamukama has demonstrated that while the government commits adequate resources, a handful of corrupt officials squander public funds. His hands-on interventions have yielded swift results. The Bwaise–Nansana stretch—a nightmare under a kilometer long that once turned a two-minute drive into a 50-minute gridlock—was finally completed after he issued a firm ultimatum.

Hon. Fred, keep your foot on the pedal. Do not relent. Dismiss rogue engineers, cancel contracts for non-performing companies, and remain uncompromising. Ugandans stand firmly behind you. You have proved that sitting behind a desk is counterproductive; you have revived the proactive spirit of the NRA bush days.

The Failure of District Leadership

District administrative leaders—including Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Assistant CAOs, and heads of department such as District Engineers, Gender Officers, District Planners, Water Engineers, and District Health Officers (DHOs)—are tasked with managing public funds and implementing government programs. However, findings by the Local Government ministers reveal a stark departure from this mandate.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara and Hon. Florence Nameere form an exceptionally effective combination. The scale of systemic theft they have exposed is staggering. The collusion between local political leaders and district technical teams defies imagination. How does one “eat” an entire road, hospital, school, or bridge?

Should these acts be tried as economic terrorism? Should the nation establish summary courts for corrupt DHOs, DEOs, CAOs, and District Engineers?

Consider the discipline within the UPDF: consequence management is swift, direct, and decisive. An offense committed today goes before a unit disciplinary court tomorrow, with judgment rendered within days. Perhaps it is time for local governance to adopt a similar model. The traditional judicial process—where clear-cut cases with ample evidence drag on through endless adjournments—cannot support the agenda of Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo. Why endure months of remands and mentions when the suspects, witnesses, and evidence are already assembled?

District officials found stealing public resources should face charges akin to terrorism. Siphoning funds meant for a healthcare facility directly endangers lives.

Is Decentralization Working, in the ICU, or Dead?

Decentralization appears dead, awaiting final rites. Despite the constitutional mandate under Article 176(2) and the Local Governments Act (Cap 138) empowering local authorities to deliver services in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, the current reality is the exact opposite.

Ghost doctors and absent nurses draw salaries without reporting for duty. Engineers exhaust one budget cycle after another on ghost roads. Headteachers submit fictitious enrollment figures to the Ministry, while District Production Officers divert PDM funds.

Should the government centralize key services once again? While the central government is not without flaws, district leadership has shown a greater interest in personal enrichment than in serving citizens.

Where Are Crime Intelligence, the DISO, RDC, Church Leaders, and Elders?

The most pressing question remains: where are the oversight officers who operate independently of district leadership?

• Resident District Commissioners (RDCs): A core duty of the RDC is to monitor the implementation of central and local government programs. What have you been monitoring while entire road budgets vanish?
• Crime Intelligence (CI): The Crime Intelligence directorate is tasked with mapping crime trends and gathering actionable intelligence. Local CI teams must step up. How do these large-scale network crimes go unnoticed? How can a health facility function with only six out of 19 paid medical personnel present without an intelligence report being filed?
• Religious Leaders and Community Elders: Faith leaders are not exempt from scrutiny. Corrupt officials are routinely offered front-row seats in churches and mosques because of their lavish donations. Do you ever question the source of these millions or ask how a civil servant builds a billion-shilling mansion? Silence in the face of theft makes one complicit.
• District Security Committees: Composed of the RDC, DISO, DPC, and other key figures, these committees have full visibility over government-funded projects each financial year. Are you conducting physical site inspections? How do non-existent assets or illegal transfers of public land pass without raising red flags?

A Call to Action for the Judiciary and Leadership

Ministers Balaam, Nameere, and Fred have exposed how a few technical officers and local politicians systematically plunder the country. What Hon. Balaam is revealing feels almost unreal. For how long has this been happening, and how much has the country lost?

To the ministers: Ugandans will not forget your effort. In under four months, you have achieved what predecessors failed to do in a decade. Maintain this momentum. Name and shame every corrupt official, whether political or technical.

To investigators, prosecutors, and the judiciary: take it from here. Prioritize these files and deliver justice for the citizens who lost loved ones due to absent doctors, bad roads, and neglected facilities.

To President Museveni: certain trusted appointees have betrayed the public trust, using their offices to enrich themselves while peasants’ children attend schools without basic sanitation. It is time to retire non-performing engineers, DHOs, and DEOs in the public interest.

Ministers Balaam, Nameere, and Fred deserve national recognition for their firm stance. Make life difficult for public thieves until integrity is restored to governance.

For God and My Country.

Samson Tinka Security and Safety Consultant [email protected]

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By Brian Mugenyi [email protected]

KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has called on Ugandans across the country to embrace decentralisation, saying it has brought government closer to the people, strengthened participatory democracy, and created a framework through which communities can take part in decisions affecting their daily lives.

For Kumumanya, decentralisation is not simply an administrative arrangement drawn on paper—it is the bridge where state policy meets the ordinary citizen at the village, parish, town council, and district level.

He noted that decentralisation provides a broad spectrum of leadership, giving communities an opportunity to participate in governance while requiring leaders to demonstrate integrity, capacity, and the ability to deliver.

“It provides a spectrum of leadership,” Kumumanya said. He added that leaders should not be chosen merely because they have won elections, but because they have the commitment and capability to work for the people. “Government leaders should be selected based on decentralisation, capacity building, and capability to deliver.”

From 31 Districts to a Wider Local Government System

Drawing from over three decades of Uganda’s decentralisation journey, Kumumanya noted how the system evolved from a time when the country had far fewer districts. The expansion of lower local governments was driven by the necessity to bring services closer to citizens who previously traversed long distances to access basic administration.

Recalling field challenges, he said, “I used to go in the field, leave Mbale with impassable roads, and in Bundibugyo landslides were enormous.”

For communities facing difficult terrain, decentralisation was not a political slogan; it was a practical cure for geographical isolation. The underlying logic remains simple: if government is closer, service delivery should be too.

“People Must Shape Their Destiny”

At the core of Kumumanya’s philosophy is the conviction that citizens must not remain passive spectators in governance.

“People must shape their destiny,” he asserted.

Under this framework, a farmer should be able to highlight agricultural bottlenecks, a parent should raise flags over a collapsing school, and a community must question where public funds allocated for a local road have gone. The village council and parish structure become the state’s primary window.

Roads: Where Development Becomes Visible

Infrastructure serves as the ultimate litmus test for decentralisation. A road is far more than murram or tarmac; it is the thin line between a farmer selling produce or watching it rot, or a pregnant mother reaching a health facility in time.

While the central government invests in national and district road networks, local leadership must act as the watchdogs on the ground. LC leaders and technical officers must monitor civil works and report substandard execution.

As Kumumanya put it: “The LC leaders should be able to address the roads and schools constructed in their areas and report the wrong.”

Museveni, Political Stability, and Household Wealth

Kumumanya commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for establishing the political stability necessary to drive long-term development programs.

“I want to appreciate President Museveni for 40 years of political stability for the country and for creating development programmes for households,” he said.

He highlighted interventions like Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), praising Gen. Salim Saleh, faith-based institutions, and civic organisations for driving agricultural mobilisation. Development, he emphasized, must move out of official policy documents and reflect in household balance sheets.

PDM: Taking Development to the Parish

The Parish Development Model (PDM), spanning 10,589 parishes, represents the latest frontier in shifting households from subsistence farming into the money economy.

Kumumanya described PDM as a direct “testimony of PDM for liberty and decentralisation,” pointing out that enterprise financing for coffee, food crops, and livestock empowers parishes to drive their own economic transformation.

Local Revenue: The Engine Within the Engine

A fully functional local government cannot rely entirely on central transfers; it must generate and account for local revenue. Kumumanya singled out Isingiro, Mukono, Ibanda, Kiruhura, Luweero, Nakaseke, and Kyenjojo as districts demonstrating strong local revenue collection.

However, revenue collection demands strict accountability. A trader paying a market fee expects a clean, secure workspace. Accountability and revenue generation must move hand in hand.

The Corruption Test

The primary threat to this decentralised architecture remains corruption, extortion, and public servants demanding bribes for free public services.

Kumumanya warned that public officials mismanaging resources—especially PDM funds—will face firm institutional sanctions. “It is not allowed, and wrong should be dealt with,” he warned, having previously described corruption as a cancer eating away at public trust.

He commended oversight bodies, including the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), for checking impunity at the local level.

Digital Local Government and Grassroots Leadership

To modernize monitoring, the Ministry of Local Government is integrating digital dashboards, performance systems, and enhanced district communication networks. Modern tools make it seamless for LC leaders—the eyes and ears on the ground—to document projects, track expenditures, and report service delivery bottlenecks in real time.

The Road Ahead

Kumumanya stressed that the future of decentralisation rests on accountability, strong leadership, citizen participation, and institutional capacity.

For Uganda, decentralisation is far more than moving administrative offices out of Kampala. It is about placing responsibility, decision-making, and opportunity directly into the hands of the people.

The ultimate proof of decentralisation will not be found in glossy reports, but on the functional road connecting a farmer to the market, in a well-equipped health centre, and in the empowered citizen who knows their voice matters.

The village is not the end of government. It is government’s front door.

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Uganda’s Ghetto Kids have received recognition in Parliament following their appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth praising the young dancers for putting Uganda in the global spotlight.

Although Uganda did not qualify for the tournament, the Ghetto Kids became an unexpected source of national representation after performing at the World Cup ceremony and sharing platforms with international stars and entertainers.

In a statement delivered in Parliament, Oboth described the group’s achievement as a remarkable accomplishment, saying they had secured a stage that gave Uganda visibility far beyond the country’s footballing representation.

“Even when Uganda didn’t participate in the World Cup, the Ghetto Kids enjoyed a better stage than any East African country or even within Africa,” Oboth said.

He congratulated the group for making Uganda proud and urged them to continue using their talent to represent the country internationally.

Oboth also drew a personal connection to the Ghetto Kids’ story, saying their rise from difficult circumstances reflected his own journey.

“Their journey resonates with my journey personally. I am not a Ghetto Kid, but I too came from a very hard background. I know that where you start can never determine how far you can go,” he said.

For the Speaker, the dancers’ success demonstrates what can happen when young people are given an opportunity to develop and showcase their abilities.

“They are a powerful reminder that talent can come from anywhere and that with opportunity and determination, our young people can rise to extraordinary heights,” he said.

Oboth encouraged the group to continue flying the national flag high, adding, “When our young people shine, Uganda shines.”

The recognition was also welcomed by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who congratulated the Ghetto Kids for their performance and international achievements.

“I welcome them and congratulate them for the exemplary performance and raising the Ugandan flag high. They have been an example to our children and, as Parliament, we pledge to give you support in your journey,” Alupo said.

Alupo also said she would liaise with relevant officials to facilitate a meeting between the Ghetto Kids and President Yoweri Museveni.

The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, joined the tributes, congratulating the dancers for showcasing Ugandan talent on an international stage.

Ssenyonyi encouraged the youngsters not to allow challenges to discourage them, drawing inspiration from former South African President Nelson Mandela.

“The late Nelson Mandela said it always seems impossible until it’s done. For me, that is always the driving force,” he said.

The parliamentary recognition comes as the Ghetto Kids continue to build an international profile through their energetic performances and appearances on major entertainment and social media platforms.

Their World Cup appearance offered Uganda a different form of representation at a global sporting event, demonstrating that even when the national football team is absent, Ugandan talent can still find a way onto the world’s biggest stages.

In his communication, Speaker @ObothOboth has paid tribute to the Ghetto Kids, a Ugandan dance crew for their remarkable participation in the 2026 World Cup ceremony.

“Even when Uganda didn’t participate in the World Cup, the Ghetto Kids enjoyed a better stage than any East… pic.twitter.com/oEK0CaKX4i

— Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug) August 20, 2026

“Africa Does Not Lack Curriculum — It Lacks Alignment” — Scholars Challenge Uganda to Rethink the Future of Education

Writes Brian Mugenyi [email protected]

KAMPALA, UGANDA — The classroom is changing. The traditional instructor standing before a blackboard now shares space with computers, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence. The graduate holding a degree is stepping into a fast-evolving labor market that demands critical thinking, adaptability, and complex problem-solving over mere certificate acquisition.

For Uganda, this reality presents a defining question: Is the national education system preparing learners for yesterday’s world or tomorrow’s economy?

That core question dominated discussions at the International Conference on Curriculum Development, where nearly 400 delegates, scholars, and policy experts gathered at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Organized by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) under the theme “Innovative Curriculum Approaches for Sustainable Education in a Globalised World,” the summit sought to re-align teaching, assessment, research, and policy with modern economic realities.

Keynote speaker Prof. Benson Banda captured the urgency of the moment with a stark verdict: “Africa doesn’t lack curriculum. It lacks alignment.”

Beyond the Memorization Era

For generations, academic success across the continent was measured by memorizing information and passing examinations. Prof. Banda argued that the modern economy requires a fundamental shift toward cognitive capability, indigenous knowledge, and critical thinking.

“Critical thinking, indigenous teaching, and communication is a cognitive approach,” Banda emphasized, pointing out that changing subjects without transforming how learners think will yield limited results. He further stressed that African education must balance global technological demands with local identity through strong regional competency frameworks. “Research is important and culture is important. Relevance and competence are all important to support the learner’s identity,” he noted.

Artificial Intelligence and the Evolving Classroom

The rapid entry of artificial intelligence into learning spaces formed another major pillar of discussion. Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President of the Global Peace Foundation, challenged educators to redefine their role in an era where information is instantly accessible.

When digital systems can answer questions within seconds, the educator’s mission shifts from dispensing facts to building the human capacity to analyze, verify, and apply knowledge ethically.

Addressing implementation, Dr. Hamis Mugendawala stressed that curriculum transformation live or die with teacher preparation. Continuous professional development is crucial to ensure educators move beyond traditional questioning to fostering environments where students experiment, innovate, and create tangible solutions.

Implementation and Economic Reality

Dr. Grace Baguma, Director of the National Curriculum Development Centre, placed execution at the center of the policy debate, emphasizing that curriculum must remain flexible, forward-looking, and backed by continuous research to support national development goals.

For Uganda, curriculum reform is fundamentally an economic imperative. Modern infrastructure requires a skilled, adaptable workforce to operate and innovate within it. Education serves as the critical bridge between Uganda’s youthful demographic and its industrial ambitions, equipping graduates to create value—whether as tech innovators, agri-business entrepreneurs, or skilled technical specialists.

As the Munyonyo conference concluded, the consensus among scholars was clear: the future of Uganda will be forged in its classrooms. Aligning curriculum, assessment, technology, and teacher training around learner competence is no longer optional. Yesterday’s methods cannot build tomorrow’s economy—and the journey to transform Uganda’s workforce begins by giving the next generation a curriculum built for the world they will inherit.

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