Speaking at a press conference at the NCDC headquarters in Kyambogo, the chairman of the NCDC board, Professor George Ladaa Opendjuru, stated that curriculum development plays a key role in Uganda’s socio‑economic transformation. «The curriculum is the foundation of national development. Developing curricula is not just an issue of education; it is a fundamental aspect of the social and economic transformation of society», Opendjuru said.
He noted that the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes formed during the learning process ultimately determine the quality of Uganda’s future workforce, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders. «Therefore, our curricula must remain relevant to Uganda’s aspirations and respond to the changes taking place around the world», he added.
The conference is being held after the first International Conference on Curriculum Development, which took place in 2023 at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre.
The deputy director of NCDC and chairman of the conference’s organizing committee, Dr. Richard Irumba, stated that the event is taking place at a time when education systems are forced to quickly adapt to the development of technology, artificial intelligence, and climate change. According to him, the discussions will focus on rethinking both the structure of curricula and the methods of their implementation in order to create a sustainable, inclusive, and future‑oriented education system.
Among the sub‑themes of the conference are the integration of ICT and artificial intelligence into education, sustainable development and global citizenship, interdisciplinary approaches to curriculum development, the preservation of local knowledge systems, and the adaptation of curricula to local conditions.
In addition, competence‑based education and entrepreneurship, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), climate change education, the green economy and green jobs, inclusive education, teacher training, teaching materials, and early childhood education will be considered. «This topic is timely and extremely relevant. We live in an era when education must change rapidly to meet the demands of the 21st century, including advances in technology and artificial intelligence, the issue of climate change, and new expectations from both students and society», Irumba said.
The conference generated significant international interest: the organizers received 130 research papers, of which 77 were selected after a double‑blind review and quality check procedure. These materials were submitted by researchers, educators, and practitioners from more than 11 countries. According to the organizers, over 700 delegates have confirmed their participation in the conference — both in person and in an online format.
The program includes key presentations by experts in the field of education from the UK, the USA, Zambia, and Uganda, as well as panel discussions, poster sessions, exhibitions, breakout sessions, and opportunities for professional networking. The organizers also noted that the conference will serve as a platform for strengthening partnerships and promoting Uganda as a destination for educational and conference tourism.
NCDC advocates a competency‑based curriculum. Acting Director of NCDC, Dr. Patrice Ssembirige, stated that the conference will also make it possible to assess curriculum reforms in Uganda, in particular the competency‑based programme introduced at the lower secondary school level.. Sembirige emphasized that NCDC’s tasks include developing and reviewing curricula and teaching materials, as well as supporting their implementation through teacher training, educational research, assessment, and quality control. He noted that the revised program, introduced in 2022, shifted the focus from simply memorizing information to developing students’ ability to apply knowledge in practice. «The success of the competency‑based program will be measured not by how much material a student can reproduce, but by what they are able to do with the knowledge they have acquired», Ssembirige said.
Uganda needs students who can think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, work in a team, demonstrate innovation, and adapt to change. «Competency‑based education is not just a change in the curriculum. It is a change in what kind of person we are preparing for the future», he said.
NCDC also carried out a comprehensive review of the curriculum for the lower secondary level and developed a new curriculum structure and teaching materials. At the high school level, he said, the Center also carried out a review aimed at strengthening the competency‑based approach and ensuring a smooth transition from lower secondary to upper secondary education.
In addition, NCDC adapted learning materials and support systems for students with special educational needs to improve access, participation, and learning outcomes.
Curriculum in support of national development. Opendjuru stated that NCDC’s activities align with the second objective of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which aims to expand the development of human capital throughout the lifespan.
The international conference will help gather an evidence base, practical recommendations, and establish partnerships to strengthen the development and implementation of educational programs. Opendjuru called on interested parties to use the conference to exchange research, experience, and ideas that could form the basis of Uganda’s educational policy.
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