UMSC introduces new teaching approaches for Muslim Schools in Ankole-Kigezi region

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has issued new teaching guidelines for all Muslim schools in the Ankole-Kigezi Muslim Region to produce well-rounded and high-quality learners.

The guidelines were announced during a four-day inspection of selected Muslim-founded schools by the UMSC Education Department.

The team was led by Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu and included Muhammad Kateregga Namuguzi Sebuganda, Chairperson of the National Education Committee, and Mr. Ashiraf Twalib Kuba, the Administrative Secretary.

The team arrived in Mbarara City on Sunday and began their fieldwork at Emirates Nursery & Primary School in Lugazi Cell division.

They were received by Zainabu Kyobutungi Sulait and other staff members.

The team toured the school's learning environment, which included a multi-story classroom block equipped with quality learning materials such as textbooks, students' writing booklets, and age-appropriate seating. They also interacted with the teachers.

In her welcome remarks, Kyobutungi shared that the school's student population has increased to 500.

She noted that the school, which started as a nursery twelve years ago, expanded to include an upper primary section only three years ago.

The school has recently been ranked as the best-performing Muslim-based learning center in Mbarara, offering both secular and Islamic studies.

Kateregga urged teachers to be friendly with students to facilitate the learning process and asked the administration to provide ample playtime to support brain development.

Sheikh Cucu conducted a refresher session for the teachers, sharing various teaching approaches such as illustrations, explanations, discussions, guided discovery, free discovery, demonstrations, and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning for teachers.

"Real teachers know nothing, which means they keep searching for more knowledge, while cheaters pretend to know everything. Help the learners to develop critical thinking instead of just working hard," he stated.

The team later visited Kabwohe Secondary and Primary Schools in Kigimbi Cell, Sheema Central Division, Sheema Municipality, Sheema District.

They were received by Sheikh Sulaiman Kafeero, the Kadhi of Sheema Muslim District, Madam Ann Mbabazi, the Deputy Headteacher, Mr. Abdu-Rashid Sserinya, the Director of Studies, and Mr. Ivan Nyanzi, the Deputy Headteacher for the primary section.

Both sides shared ideas to promote quality learning in thes schools.

Finally, the team visited the ongoing reconstruction of the Shs 2.5 billion Kanyamurera Seed Secondary School, funded by the Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports under the UGFIT program.

The school is being constructed on 5 acres of land belonging to the UMSC Kanyamurera Mosque, along the Ishaka-Kasese Highway in Kanyambare Village, Nshumi Parish, Kyamuhunga, Bushenyi District. They were received by Mr. Muhammad Kateregga, the Headteacher, and other staff members.

Mr. Kateregga thanked the UMSC Education Department under Sheikh Cucu for lobbying the project and for their unwavering support, which enabled the school to acquire official registration from the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Sheikh Cucu pledged to provide all necessary support for the school. The team is set to inspect more schools in Ntugamu and Kabale Muslim Districts.