The Ministry of Education has signaled a decisive shift in its approach to higher education, issuing a strong warning to universities and colleges across the country regarding the quality of instruction.
This comes as the nation prepares to implement groundbreaking legislation aimed at raising the bar for educators within the East African Community (EAC).
The action is at the center of the East African Higher Education Quality Assurance Forum and Conference, underway at the Speke Resort in Munyonyo, which has brought together education leaders from across the EAC to chart a course for the future of higher learning in the region.
The Ministry’s warning specifically targets both local and foreign academics teaching in Ugandan institutions. The core message: strict adherence to EAC standards is now a requirement.
The upcoming legislation is designed to ensure that all instructors meet the necessary qualifications, signaling a firm stand against diluted academic standards.
A key issue raised during the conference is the proliferation of unqualified lecturers, particularly those from outside the EAC, who continue to teach without proper credentials.
Delegates warned that this undermines legitimate educators and poses a serious threat to education quality.
James Kubeketerya, Chairperson of the Education and Sports Committee of Parliament, confirmed that a bill is being finalized to enforce uniform qualifications across the region.
“We are in the process of finalizing a bill that will prevent instructors from outside the region from teaching in our institutions if they don’t meet the quality standards set by the East African Community,” he said.
The proposed law will require all lecturers to be certified by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) before teaching in any EAC member state.
Professor Mary Jane Okwakol, NCHE chairperson, urged universities to embrace technology and collaboration to transform learning.
“It’s time for East African countries to work together, to agree, and to move forward,” she noted.
The three-day conference, running from September 15 to 17, has drawn ministers, administrators, and policymakers from across the region.
First Lady and Minister of Education Janet Kataha Museveni is expected to close the event with a keynote outlining Uganda’s vision for regional academic reforms.
By standardizing qualifications and empowering oversight bodies, Uganda and its EAC partners aim to eliminate unqualified teaching staff and position East African universities to compete on the global stage.
